DST Hall of Fame

New Space...and a request.

2012-02-14T16:08:00.003-06:00

Hey folks...if you haven't noticed, I lost interest in this blog long ago. When I just checked I noticed the (newer \ older) links are no longer on the pages, which makes posts over 200 difficult to get to for some users...I was able to see the posts by clicking on the post title
(New Space for 2012) and then you'll get to a page that has the newer and older post links.

I don't see anything in the settings to change this setting, and I think something needs to be changed in the template via some minor HTML coding. I may try to do this sometime, but honestly it is not high on my to do list.

I would like to suggest someone create an alternate digi smack blog, and suggest we let this one die a slow death.

Today I looked at the stats on this blog while looking to change the blogger settings. I was kind of surprised to see the activity volumes. This blog has over a half million page views since it started and I was surprised to see the daily page view counts too. For that reason, I will not close it abruptly, but will leave it open and post the link to the new blog so no one gets lost in the transition.

I imagine there will be a free-for-all after I publish this, and multiple blogs will be created. You all as a community will eventually settle on a new location, once the dust settles, this blog can fade away. I will check back in a few weeks to see how it is going.

New Space for 2012

2012-01-05T20:43:00.002-06:00

new space!

New Space

2011-11-09T09:39:00.001-06:00

New Space for you.

New Space

2011-09-26T14:33:00.002-05:00

New Space.

New Space

2011-08-01T11:05:00.001-05:00

New space for you.

New Space

2011-06-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

long overdue space for you...

New Space

2011-03-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

New Space...have at it.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T11:00:00.001-06:00

New space for you.

Digital Scrapbook Day

2010-11-04T23:07:00.003-05:00

New space to discuss DSD, or whatever else is happening in Digiland.

New Space

2010-08-09T09:42:00.002-05:00

In answer to the questions:
Why so snarky?
Why so Bitchy?
Why so judgmental?
Please feel free to save this and copy/paste every time the question comes up, it will save us all a lot of time and typing.

1. This is a smack blog, we are snarky, snotty, bitchy, judgmental, critical, grumpy, dopey and doc.a. If you want nice, sweet and up your behind....go to DST.
2. If you are a designer, store owner, CT, etc. expect to be criticized, told you sell "crap" or worse, and don't expect sugar-coated either.a. If you want nice, see 1a.
3. If you are here looking for the truth, honest opinions and real feelings, welcome and join in.a. If you want nice, see 1a.

Credit goes to: Anonymous: August 8, 2010 8:21 AM: Thanks!

New Space

2010-06-05T11:48:00.001-05:00

new space for you...

New Space...

2010-04-11T11:19:00.004-05:00

Here you go, this is for the poster that asked nicely. For the contributor that would like to start a new blog...feel free.

I don't generally start a new post in the middle of a good topic, since it usually kills the conversation. But really, there is never anything new to discuss anyway.

I do appreciate the self nominated Digi Task Force. I am sure they will bring to light thousands of cases of digital thievery and deceit in the wildly corrupt nation of digital scrapbooking.

Blog Spam

2010-02-15T09:22:00.003-06:00

I always find it interesting to note which topics of conversation generate the blog spam. There are some regulars around digi land that are frequently mentioned here. I think they have given up the battle. They know eventually the topic will turn and it will be on to something else. Admittedly, I am not active around the "community" but I have been hosting the blog for awhile now and have noticed some trends.

Watch out when the blog bitches find a new target. They keep picking, they Google, they dig, they hunt IP's, they search other message boards, they jump in the way back machine and remind all of indiscretions of yesteryear.

The blog target virgins pick up the bat phone. Put out a virtual call for back up send the blog link to all. Their friends will try to defend, try to call everyone out for being anonymous. It gets nasty. They can't win against the blog bitches. So then they try diversionary tactics, attempt to change the subject to some other digi crime in recent memory. When that doesn't work, they resort to spam. Song lyrics, in multiple languages, middle school trash talk. Anything to bury the previous threads of conversation.

And don't forget about the Pearl clutching handslappers. You know, the ones that just want everyone to get along and sing Kum Bay Yah. The ones that scold people for posting, and wasting their time reading this internet trash, all while offering helpful alternate suggestions for spending time. You know, like watching kids, cooking dinner for your husband, reading the bible.

And the Lurkers, that stop by for entertainment value.

Which category are you?

Fresh Space

2009-12-26T09:28:00.003-06:00

Too busy to keep up with the digi scene.
Out turning tricks to make sure I have 20 bucks for each of my 5 kids so I can go to Walmart later and shop the after Christmas sales when the picked over crap is on sale so my kids can have the best Christmas ever. Thanks to my loyal customers, you are the best!

-posted by me with my Iphone.

"This blog has very little to do with the whole of the digi community"

2009-10-20T13:03:00.001-05:00

What do you think? I really have no idea how many people post here. I am sure there is a mix of store owners, designers and scrappers. I seriously doubt there are many Digi Newbies hanging out here. It is not like this blog is linked up on the top 50 Digi sites.
Do people really not post layouts in galleries because of fear of backlash from the blog? I doubt it. I do think there have been some issues that have come to light because of the blog, some good, some not so good. Lots of speculation here, some truth, some lies. I tend to believe where there is smoke there is fire. That is why the same names seem to appear on the blog.

Quoted from previous thread:
"This blog can most definitely intimidate people into not posting at digi sites! Someone posts a LO or responds to a thread and there are pages and pages on this blog picking people apart, drawing false conclusions and outright lies.

People talk and share their stories of what is done to people here and of course some people will be skittish to share their personal photographs/layouts/feelings. You have to be naive to think that doesn't happen. There are people with feelings on the other side of the computer!"

This blog ain't even close to reality. It's the digiscrap version of smut T.V.

2009-08-22T08:06:00.004-05:00

Just giving you new space...and I like the comment above.

Actually, I went over to DST to find some smack worthy stuff, and I couldn't find anything. Pretty boring over there unless you are into arguing over health care reform.

So I don't want to kill the conversation started in the last thread...Why has DST lost its luster? Have people moved on to a new craft, have people moved to store forums, are people actually scrapping for themselves or have they all turned into designers?

More Space

2009-06-26T17:30:00.003-05:00

I saw the infamous "sexy" layout. Unfortunately I didn't have the sense to save it off for future discussion. My first thought was I hope that is a stock photo, because having a third party capture that image might be more awkward than posting it in a scrapbook gallery. Second, the title didn't work for me, it was something like "every life is precious". I think a more appropriate title may have been "Do me now".

Did you all rush out to buy the kit to scrap your last sexcapade? Any recommendations for kits appropriate for scrapping your after hours adventures. Does anybody really scrap that?

Carry on with whatever is going on...CU sharing, DST banning, digital art vs. digital scrapbooking, Christina Renee's grand re-opening, GSO thread abuse....

More Space

2009-05-20T22:56:00.003-05:00

Here is some new space for you to discuss DSA, DST, MSA or anything else you want to debate about.

FYI - I do see your emails, but as a general rule I will not respond to them. Call me paranoid or whatever, but y'all can be ruthless. Feel free to send me alerts as I check my email more often than the blog, I will see them. So anyway, thanks for the reminder, I have been meaning to get a new post up just for you.

For the person looking for the dirt on Amanda, I don't have time to rehash 3+weeks worth of drama for you, feel free to read the blog archives, it unfolded here. You have the link, spend your time looking for the information you are requesting.

If you are in the US, enjoy the long weekend, hopefully nice weather has arrived in your part of the world.

Happy May Day!

2009-05-01T22:17:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I was out of town and knew when I checked the blog today and saw that many comments something must be going down. I must admit I haven't read it all, but I skipped to the last page to read the ending. I kind of feel sorry for her, as she seems to play the victim card and blame others for the situations she creates or fabricates. I still have many questions...like who is the hat girl in the hotel? How is MB involved in this? Who leaked the first screen shot of the DST post?

Carry on...

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T12:48:00.003-05:00

I told you I would be back around Easter! What has been going on around the digi scene? Looks like the Scrapper Awards are coming to DST soon, always some good controversy with those. National Scrapbook day coming hopefully some good sales.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T18:49:00.003-05:00

Saw the request for new space. Debating over a topic...Steakums or DST downtime.

For those of you that are gold and diamond members there, does the frequent and extended down time irritate you? Do you feel like the money you paid for "membership" give you special gripe privileges? Does it irritate you enough to complain to Shannon?

As always discuss this or anything else...I still check in on you, and will post new space around Easter or sooner if requested. Have a good one...off to drink a pint.

Happy Valentines Day - Feel the Love!

2009-02-14T08:34:00.003-06:00

Here is some fresh space for all of my bloggers - both the lovers and haters to continue bitch slapping each other. Carry on...

2008 - The good, bad and ugly

2008-12-30T11:52:00.003-06:00

Here is some new space for you.

Seems like a good time to do a reader contribution Digi year in review. Were there any digi moments worth remembering? What digi trends exploded in 2008? Any predictions for the new year?

MyPicTales

2008-11-11T10:18:00.003-06:00

Here is some new space for you.
I have really lost interest in the message boards, and found that I have been getting a lot more scrapping done!

I did a quick scan at DST and the thread that jumped out at me was about MyPicTales. Seems there are more than a few gals disappointed in the product, customer service and turnaround time. Seems that the owner of MPT, and DST staff have requested that criticism be kept off the board. In my opinion she can't have it both ways. She used that board like crazy to promote her product, coupons, and now that there are service issues they are requesting they be kept private. I personally would like to know both sides of the story, and I applaud those that have publically shared their experiences, both positive and negative.

Sorry - for those wanting gossip...I am just not in the "know" - I can only speculate with the rest of you on the flight of designers from SBG etc.

October Hot Product

2008-10-04T19:16:00.003-05:00

Ok - So it looks like the first Hot product to be featured in the DST insider and on the home page of DST is a Mystery Mega Collab Kit by the Scrap Orchard Designers.

If you want to see the contents, it was revealed here:
Mega Collab Revealed

Looks like it currently is selling for $3.00 and the product listing says that the price will increase in one week. I don't know when that will be.

Remember, "The introductory cost for this package is $350.00" I don't know if this is what they actually paid.

Let's discuss.
How did the DST CT team do using the kit?
Do you think this was cost effective advertising for this product?
Did you click on the DST link to take a closer look?
Did you buy this kit? Are you planning too?
Do you look at reveals before purchasing?
Do you think the store covered the fee, or did the designers all chip in?

What's new?

2008-09-17T21:22:00.003-05:00

I spent a little time tonight surfing DST and MSA and couldn't find much that was worthy of a blog post. Gina Miller had her baby, and I thought it was interesting Shannon announced it at DST, and indicated she had been in contact with Gina. There was much speculation on the blogs about a falling out between the two when she split and started MSA.

Seems a couple of traditional scrappers (or CK featured) have found their way into the digital market. CD Muckosky is selling at LDD. Ali Edwards has been selling bits and templates at Designer Digitals. Any others out there tapping into the digital market?

What else is new around digi land? I must admit I haven't been keeping up with the scene. Apparently this blog is a haven for grandmas and mormons. Here is a shout out to all you grannys out there.

Changing Seasons

2008-08-24T07:12:00.004-05:00

Hold on to your hats, we are moving into Autumn. Good bye beach kits. Hello leaves, Halloween and Christmas.
I must say I have been pleased lately with the variety of non-seasonal kits (birthday, outdoors etc.), and multi purpose kits being released. It feels like even though kit prices have gone up I can get multiple pages from the same kit, and because of the variety (extractions, doodles) in that kit, the pages have a completely different feel.

What "trend" are you loving these days?
What "trend" is going to pass you by?
Amy Martin has won two big (traditionally paper) scrapping contests this year. Do you think this will help bring newbies over to digital?
Have you entered any scrap contests outside of the Digi community?

Lets try to keep the pirate talk to the blogs devoted to the topic. (Just a request, but as always discuss what you want.)

New Space

2008-08-10T23:37:00.003-05:00

New space for the new week. I am too tired to think of a topic, and need to get back to packing for my trip. Someone did share something with me via email, and I am torn on what to do with it. I need to sleep on it.

For those still wondering, no one from the police department has stopped by for a visit.

Have a good week. Play nice.

I think you meant Libel...

2008-08-05T20:31:00.006-05:00

Sticking to my promise, new space for you all, this one is for you 8pm. I know my blog readers have attempted to change the topic to anything remotely digi, but I feel the need to throw in my 2 cents, as these comments are directed towards me.

By Amanda Dykan -
"I was told that the owner(s) of the blog would receive a visit from their local precinct this week. And, now that I know who that party is, I am seriously thinking of filing for penalties against her- for defamation of character, slander and malicious persecution (to say the least)."

*removed name due to a polite designer request*
"Go for it. Seriously."

Go for it. Seriously? She is being encouraged? I can't figure out my criminal role here, so if someone can enlighten me, I will begin working on my defense strategy. I know I wasn't in Dallas over the weekend shootin' up the town, so if Amanda can let me know when the local PD will be stopping by my house, I will be sure to be home, I wouldn't want to miss their visit. If I have cell block internet access, I will be sure to post an update and give you an address in which you can send bail money. Witch hunt? Scare tactic? I don't know, I don't care, but I am not losing sleep over this because I have done nothing wrong. I truly hope Amanda knows FOR SURE who she has targeted as the blog owner, and I hope that she realizes the burden of proof that I personally did any of the following: defamation of character, slander and malicious persecution falls to her. Good luck.

Here is my topic for discussion:
Does the behavior of a designer, her CT, her supporters, or the company she chooses to "clique" with influence your purchasing decisions? Is it just about the product someone is selling, or does personality, professionalism, marketing strategies influence how you spend your dollar? Feel free to give some specific examples if you wish.

My answer: Absolutely, I can say I never have registered in any of Amanda's stores, nor will I make a purchase from her or anyone that has anything to do with her...ever. *removed name*, you can consider me a "former customer." Likewise for other designers that continually exhibit unprofessional, over-emotional behavior. I may be an anonymous blog owner, and the readers here are anonymous blog posters, but please remember that we are your customers, or not. I personally will support designers that exhibit a passion for what they do, those that act professionally and take pride in their work, make contributions to the digital "community" in a positive way, and have a product that is unique and well executed. I am a picky and discerning buyer, I diligently navigate this relatively small industry, and purposely search out designers that exhibit all of the above qualities.
Please don't mistake this as a threat, it is my opinion. Others may share that opinion or disagree, frankly it makes no difference to me. I will leave this blog open for others to freely express their opinions either with me or against me. Game on.

*Edited 8/6* I have received an email from the designer named above, politely requesting her name be removed.

Happy Birthday DST

2008-07-31T20:59:00.004-05:00

So let the birthday party begin. What fun and exciting things does Shannon and her crew have in store for us as they kick off another year? I am sure you all are eagerly waiting for the birthday kit, the pass the torch RAK (that has only been passed to beggars and high volume posters), the debut of the DST CT team, and who knows what other new and exciting ideas they will uncork this weekend. Let the shameless plugs and begging begin.

Here is the readers digest version of the last post: The DST CT was announced, vote for me threads should be outlawed, one person hates bracket previews, but most don't care, Rose still hasn't announced her CT, if you want to, you can send care packages to aunt Tilly at the trailer park, somebody is offering services to remove sticks from your ass if you have one stuck there, looks like we need a cure for those that piss rainbows, a Stampin' Up demo hacked Heather Ann's mailing list, dead celebrities and not dead celebrities, shameless RAK begging, Barb Speck is up in arms about the critique and reveal blogs, Gallery standout nomination for the milk lady, and slow pay and disgruntled designers at PPF.

Feel free to discuss my lame topic or anything else digi that you want to discuss. I don't have a mission here, I am not out to accomplish anything or change the digi world. My only pledge to you is to give you a new topic at around 200 posts because my pet peeve is when I have to click an extra time to see what you all are talking about. Have a good weekend. Carry on...

New Space...

2008-07-18T17:24:00.003-05:00

Here is some new space....Haven't had much time to keep up with the Digi scene this week. Quick recap...big pirate yahoo group was outted, DST closed the "Law and Order" piracy forum, a few designers switched stores, did Rose Farver announce her CT yet? DST announced....
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=135334

Seems like the same old stuff. Hopefully something entertaining will come up this week...

Posting layouts in public galleries...

2008-07-08T21:54:00.001-05:00

Just got back from being out of town and quickly scanned the hub and didn't see much going on. Still eagerly waiting the CT announcements of Rose Farver and DST. Let's move on from CT's this entry and discuss posting layouts in galleries. I scan the galleries when I am in a slump looking for some inspiration. Sometimes I come across a layout and think why would they post that? I realize other countries are more liberal about sexuality, and scrapping "tough" times is therapeutic, but do they all need to be shared online? What kind of layouts / subject matter has made you feel uncomfortable? Do you post every layout you create on DST? Do you only post your best work? What are your reasons for posting layouts in public galleries? Discuss this or whatever other digi drama pops up this week.

Oh...and a trivia question for you...What is the name of the World's Most digiscrapped dog?

DST Creative Team

2008-07-02T09:36:00.001-05:00

So Shannon posted her call for the DST creative team. Do you think her inbox is overflowing with designer "applications" for this opportunity? Who do you think will apply and get selected? The requirements don't seem to be unreasonable, the only promotion indicated seemed to be sporting a blinkie, and creating \ posting the layout. Seems she plans on starting this next month, any speculation on the featured designer for August?

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=132020

This is in support of the following letter that was sent to the designers:
As Digital Scrapbook Designers and Store Owners, we know how important it is to make your product stand out admist a sea of others in this oversaturated market. At DST, we are always trying to think of new ways that we can help you acheive your goals - from the free Digital Directory and Designer Announcements forum, to the low-priced Product Gallery and New Products forum. We know that we often have more advertisers than space to offer so we try to think of various ways that we can offer more to those who want it. Our banner ads are sold out through 2008 with a large waiting list. Our newsletter can only hold so many ads before it becomes overrun by marketing. So we've created another package that we think will benefit the Digital Designer or Store Owner who is looking to showcase one truly fabulous product in the largest way possible.

We're assembling a Creative Team at DST comprised of some of the best digital scrapbookers in the industry. Their job will be to show off the many ways that your one product can be used from a variety of digital layouts (both rectangle and square), to a multitude of hybrid projects to an assortment of cards and invitations. These projects will be featured in the DST Insider along with a large image of your kit preview (linked direct to your store, of course) as well as quotes from each scrapper about what they liked about the kit. Our hope is not only to showcase the product of your choice but to also encourage scrappers to use their digital kits for more than one project and to see the spectrum of potential ideas that your product could be used for. Naturally, our team will be posting their projects in the DST gallery and we will also require that they post it in their other galleries as well (a minimum of 1 additional gallery).

We will be offering this to only one designer or store owner per month so that you can get the full exposure and benefit of the opportunity. The introductory cost for this package is $350. Because we can only offer this to one designer or store owner per month, we encourage you to request a month when you will be releasing a product you are truly excited about or (if you're a store owner) to consider showcasing a collaborative kit that your design team will be releasing together.

If you would like to apply to have your product considered, please email me at shannon@digishoptalk.com with the following information:

First and Last Contact Name:
Contact Email:
Paypal Billing Address:
Month you would like to be featured:
Please also attach a preview of the product you would like featured. The preview should be at least 500x500 pixels so that we can see as much detail as possible.

I'm sorry but we cannot guarantee that everyone will be featured during the month that they would like. We will do our best to accomodate everyone that we can.

If you have any questions or suggestions for this or any other possible promotional opportunity at DST, please feel free to contact me and share your ideas! We look forward to this exciting new opportunity to promote your business and inspire the digital community together.

Shannon Bieger
Owner/Founder

Let's discuss the DST Call Forum....

2008-06-27T13:25:00.000-05:00

ok, so material has been a bit sparse over at the hub, so I thought we could discuss the call forum. A quick scroll through the forum I saw a multiple offers relating to digi needs.

CT calls
Designer calls
Advertising Guru
Preview Maker
Ad maker
Guest Calls
Product tester
One time CT opportunities
Publication calls
Site CT
QP Artists
Web site admin \ designer

These two particularly by Seascraps are interesting:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130776
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130777

and of course the wildly crazy CT requirements for Rose Farver; and I am eagerly waiting for the announcement of the gals that are looking for this type of gig:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=128827

Do you scan the DST forum for Digi "opportunities"? Designers is this an effective source for recruiting talent? If you had web design \ admin skills, would you offer your services in trade for scrap supplies? If you look at the calls does the quality \ style of the ad make an impression? Is free product enough compensation for the expectations of some of these designer requests? Would targeting your customer base, blog readers, be a better source for potential CT members? Discuss the Call forum, its contents or anything else that might spark some debate.

Fishing for handouts....

2008-06-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

I have seen my fair share of internet scams, and while this one was pretty low on my radar, the red flags were still waving.....then low and behold, she posted about miraculous turn of events. These types of posts really used to annoy me, not so much anymore, there will always be scammers, there will always be people that get scammed. It doesn't matter to me anymore, because these people that donate to the cause think they are doing a good thing, but really they are just enabling the behavior, for others to follow. Big surprise, she is on Gabs' promotion team.

The Setup:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129934

The Followup:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130200

Let's talk Mo Jackson

2008-06-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know that threads about Mo Jackson usually turn into a train wreck at DST. But I have to say, I am intrigued by her. Let me preface to say, I don't own one thing she has made. I did take a peek at her site, when it was open to the public and it looked to me like her style was vintage, reminded me of KB & Friends. Then apparently she has some boxes, and well now everybody has boxes. My other mental note was her kit prices were really high. So based on my 10 minutes browsing the store, I determined if I want vintage, I can find it on the open market for a better price. Now her business model is what intrigues me - monthly membership for the priviledge to shop at her store, can't be on any CT's, and I don't know what her other rules are, as I have never tried to gain access to MoLand (and my info above may not be factual, again just bits and pieces from lurking around) So is she in it for the fun of it? Why the exclusivity? Any members of MoLand care to fill in the outsiders on any insider information. Is there really no MoLand and she created the front door just to make people curious?

Is a DST Spinoff brewing?

2008-06-18T20:21:00.001-05:00

There seems to be a ground swell of disgruntled scrappers that are tired of the constant CT pimping and overzealous promoting of the latest trends at DST. If a new board were created what would attract you to post there? How could the owner keep the pimping under control? What forums would you suggest? Would the "average scrapper" participate? Ideas for generating site revenue? Can you generate revenue without selling ads and having sponsors?

mothers of growing daughters scrap advice please?

2008-06-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

Our first discussion topic, I know most of you passed this one by, but what do you really want to say to Carinpixels?
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129249

Okay this may sound silly, but you know this afternoon me and the girls went for a walk and took the camera, we had loads of fun posing and playing and both girls took pictures as well....
When I got home and uploaded the photos I was kind of shocked.....
my oldest DD is growing boobies.
I know all girls will get to that stage, but uhm I didnt see it earlier, took out pictures from 3 weeks ago and nothing and all of a sudden there they are.
Anyways can I scrap about her growing boobs? Or would that be a no no?
When she was younger she would always look in the mirror, posing shoulders back to see how she would look with boobies, so I was thinking adding journaling about it, like here they are or something...but is that 'polite'?
And offcourse they are dressed pictures hahahahaha

Our Mission

2008-06-17T18:18:00.000-05:00

Our mission is simple. They post the material at DST, MSA, or any other digi scrapbook message board, and you can come here and discuss, without fear of backlash from the community. Overzealous CT mob, mother of the year contender, Designer conference room cat fight, charity scandal, a layout that has been posted, whatever you want to have further discussion about, if it has been posted for sharing on a digital scrapbook message board, you are free to link us up for discussion. There have been some classic threads at that message board. Let's preserve them for historical purposes! I am open to suggestions, reader submissions. I was thinking of having Flashback Friday, and some other features.