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...
223 comments:
1 – 200 of 223 Newer› Newest»what big pirate yahoo group? what did i miss?
was it puttinitall2gether?
Since the last post was disabled, I will reply in this one.
To: July 19, 2008 9:27 PM, who replied to my post and said "The DST CT was announced yesterday."
Ahhh...did you even read my post? I wasn't asking about the DST CT team - I was asking about the DST Design Team - there has been no posting about this - no discussion. Just wondering why the CT team is announced before the design team.
Because the CT gets to pick the designers.
Because the CT gets to pick the designers.
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Well we know how that will play out. It will be the same ol' same ol' and I'm really tired of seeing the same names time and time again.
Ahhh...did you even read my post? I wasn't asking about the DST CT team - I was asking about the DST Design Team - there has been no posting about this - no discussion. Just wondering why the CT team is announced before the design team.
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What "design team"?? There is no dst design team that I'm aware of. The new CT will be making layouts with the "featured designers" kits, which will then go into the newsletter. That is what the designers get for their $350.
Is anyone else getting sick of all the "please vote for me!" threads lately? I don't mind doing it once or twice occasionally to help someone out, bu teveryone is jumping on the band wagon now...
whenever I see those, I purposely go vote for someone else.
I agree on the 'vote for me.' It gets old fast.
The DST CT looks about as 'exciting' as I expected. For $350 to promote ONE thing, I'm having a hard time believing that there will be much for the CT to 'choose' from.
It really irritates me that the designers who flagrantly disregarded DST's policies in the DCR are not facing any conseqences from DST. Irritating, but totally predictable.
I'm ready to delete my account at DST-did anyone ever find out if it's possible to do that without having to contact Shannon?
Random thought of the day: I can't stand that 'pjaye' as she calls herself. She is always such a snarky bitch. It's like she always goes out of her way to disagree with people or make them feel stupid. Her comment in the thread from the woman who lost all her scrap files really got up my nose. But that's nothing new with her, I guess. Am I the only one who has noticed her attitude problem?
Yep, pjaye annoys alot of people.
yeah, she's a bitch.
LOL and wiping diet coke off my screen.
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anon said...
whenever I see those, I purposely go vote for someone else.
July 20, 2008 11:50 AM
Anyone else is annoyed by the wannabees designers who make ''bracket previews'' like shabby pickles?
Who cares how someone does their previews? How can that possibly bother you? Does it hurt you in some way?
Shabby Pickle didn't invent brackets. Get over it.
I had joined the group mentioned earlier puttingitalltogether. The owners have no respect and are major B's! I thought it was a place to share ads and freebie links. I agree big pirate site
It sounds like 12:28 is trying to keep herself out of trouble...why else would you say that you thought it was a freebie group? How long were you a member? and really who cares? Stay on topic girls! Lets talk about something more exciting! Like who we think will be first chosen for DST Team...any guessers? LOL
Don't you read? The DST CT was announced a couple of days ago.
Anyone else is annoyed by the wannabees designers who make ''bracket previews'' like shabby pickles?
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I'm more annoyed by all the designers who abandoned their sites to join Shabby Pickles, the latest trendy site. And I'm even more annoyed at all the CT members who followed them over there in just one more attempt to climb to the social elite of digital scrapping. It reminds me of those high school girls who stop being themselves and will do anything to be popular.
Don't you read? The DST CT was announced a couple of days ago.
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Most of the DST CT are 'unknowns' to me. And I checked out a few galleries and I wasn't 'wow'ed by anything I saw. The hybrid gals had nice hybrid projects though.
So do Rose announce her ct's? And what happen to the pirate group? Probably just started a new one and was more *picky* who they let in.
I'm more annoyed by all the designers who abandoned their sites to join Shabby Pickles, the latest trendy site. And I'm even more annoyed at all the CT members who followed them over there in just one more attempt to climb to the social elite of digital scrapping. It reminds me of those high school girls who stop being themselves and will do anything to be popular
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I tend to agree, althought they have a lot of brand new designers who used to be top layout artists. Others like Cre-Bisontine I have never heard of..
I wonder how these 'trendy' sites fare in terms of actual customer base vs. CT/forum fans - a LOT of customers don't get into the forum/trend scene so this constant shop hopping kind of makes me wonder about sales.
It seems there is quite a lot of foriegn designers that have been around for awhile, but are just now hitting the mainstream sites. I think Jofia was one of the first, but there are several now that are now more accessible. A lot of these girls have awesome freebies on their blogs also.
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Cre-Bisontine
two thumbs down on the vote for me threads. why would I vote for a total stranger???
pjaye doesn't bother me at all. i didn't see anything bitchy about the post that was linked to. she stated her opinion in a polite manner which is sort of what conversation is all about. so many posters "here" complain about the sunshine brigade. but when someone posts a different opinion they get called a bitch. i personally think it is interesting to hear other people ideas and perspectives. if everyone thought like me it would be pretty boring.
so what if new designers make bracket previews like shabby pickle. a lot of different stores previews look similar. no biggie.
i don't care about dts's ct group. i haven't read dst's newsletter in months.
curious about the pirate group. i saw a post at dst and then it and the replies were all deleted. i guess shannon is making a statement that she wants talk and accusations of piracy to be taken to the designers and not brought through dst.
i think some posters may be curious as to which pirate group got busted because they are paranoid that it might be a group they belong to. my advice is to get the hell out of any pirate groups. there are so many legitimate freebies available. remember karma ladies and treat others how you want to be treated.
i have noticed many designers from different countries. i would like to find an easier way to translate web sites. there had been one blog that automatically translated to english when i clicked on it through bloglines. but it only did it at home not at work. i don't know why or how to make it happen on other blogs or my other computers.
The group mentioned above is a different group than the one that was busted. It is not closed down yet, so I don't want to put up the name. Looks like they are sharing freebie links now, but there are a lot of pirate links in the archives that are still active. the group has been going since 2005.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136157
Here is one to watch...They busted this scam pretty quick. TragedyAnne was the same one that was trying to defend the AdultScrapping site for spamming, probably not going to get a lot of love from the DST'ers, sent to the trailer park lot A5.
Ooh, good catch on the TragedyAnne scam!
Nice way to look for free gifts from kind-hearted people.
I hate when people do things like that! Brings to mind our good friend Keeley.
I think it is funny someone googled the address and phone number...and called it out as a trailer park!
me too
Too bad they needed to set up a new account to call it out. It is unfortunate if she is sick, but I am glad someone checked it out.
City Trailor Motor
23765 Lawrence Avenue, Warren, MI 48091
I wish Patty would learn how to spell trailer. She spells it wrong everytime she posts.
I'm not so sure it's a scam. Diane has since posted an explanation. No one ever said the address was a hospital, Diane had just made an assumption. It sounds like Kat's aunt Emma lives in the trailer park and was collecting cards that were sent.
I'm all for being skeptical about things, but let's not let these past bad experiences cause us to wrongly accuse people. I personally don't think this one is a scam.
And some of the comments about how Tragedy Ann defended the adult scrapping site, sound similar to the comments made about Naughty Pimptress. You all are assuming that just because Tragedy Ann defending the adult scapping site that she must be a scam artist too. Assumptions assumptions.
Diane probably is innocent in this, and Kat could be sick, but still the story does not add up completely. When this was posted here, there was not the information there is now, so it is easy for you to second guess here now. There is another thread now asking for digi cards...that is how it starts, very innocently asking for prayers and cards, then all of a sudden she loses internet access, can't afford food, needs a car....and the donations start pouring in. I will wait and see on this one. The one poster was just making the connection with Kat's previous interaction with DST....she is not well liked there because of the spamming episode. If this same thread was posted about someone *popular*, I bet no one would have even checked it out.
The one poster was just making the connection with Kat's previous interaction with DST....she is not well liked there because of the spamming episode. If this same thread was posted about someone *popular*, I bet no one would have even checked it out.
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You are right about that. If this was one of the popular stars, people would be drooling all over themselves to see who could do the most. She'd be getting RAKed and gifted - all publicly no doubt!
I guess I just hate it when people make assumptions about people. And I try really hard not to do it myself. Just because she defending the adult scrapping site, doesn't mean she's a scam artist. Just because Naughty Pimptress has a 'suggestive' web-name, doesn't mean she's a pirate. I just sense that we are starting to put people into categories such as (Tagger = pirate = scam artist = slut).
This is not new here or anywhere else in life. People get labeled based on the public information they choose to share with people. Those labels then get associated with actions of others in the same category, whether or not the association is accurate, it still gets made. I think people should be aware of the image they are projecting online and in real life, as it is human nature for people to draw conclusions. If all I know about someone is that she has a suggestive blog graphics, defends possibly illegal spamming, and someone is asking on her behalf for cards and flowers to be sent to a relative in a trailer park...The only information we had yesterday...yes, I am guilty of drawing my own conclusions. It looks like this incident did educate a few people on Lupus etc, and now reading through the thread, I am somewhere in the skeptic middle....we'll see. Not ready to fire up my paypal yet.
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I just sense that we are starting to put people into categories such as (Tagger = pirate = scam artist = slut).
This is not new here or anywhere else in life. People get labeled based on the public information they choose to share with people. Those labels then get associated with actions of others in the same category, whether or not the association is accurate, it still gets made. I think people should be aware of the image they are projecting online and in real life, as it is human nature for people to draw conclusions. If all I know about someone is that she has a suggestive blog graphics, defends possibly illegal spamming, and someone is asking on her behalf for cards and flowers to be sent to a relative in a trailer park...The only information we had yesterday...yes, I am guilty of drawing my own conclusions. It looks like this incident did educate a few people on Lupus etc, and now reading through the thread, I am somewhere in the skeptic middle....we'll see. Not ready to fire up my paypal yet.
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I just sense that we are starting to put people into categories such as (Tagger = pirate = scam artist = slut).
Anyone else is annoyed by the wannabees designers who make ''bracket previews'' like shabby pickles?
July 21, 2008 1:39 AM
Must be a pickler. lol
Who cares. It's no different than everyone using layered cardboard behind their previews like Christina Renee.
Does anyone know Kat? Has anyone seen Kat?
Emails to an aunt
Cards to a trailer park address
No hospital name mentioned so no one can verify if Kat is actually at the hospital
Someone is in ICU and had a kidney removed and she is concerned about internet access? Personally, I would have many other concerns and internet access would be the last thing on my mind.
Everyone has a right to be suspicious because there is too much internet fraud out there. And when stories don't make sense it only increases the suspicion.
This is not new here or anywhere else in life. People get labeled based on the public information they choose to share with people. Those labels then get associated with actions of others in the same category, whether or not the association is accurate, it still gets made. I think people should be aware of the image they are projecting online and in real life, as it is human nature for people to draw conclusions.
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Yes I agree with this part! People DO need to think about this. I'm often amazed at what people disclose on their blogs.
Then again, this is why many get accused of being the sunshine brigade and why anonymous blogs are so popular. Because I can come her and say what I REALLY think!~
Have to agree on what public image people portray.
I know nothingof any previous problem with Kat. However, I do not recal seeing ANYWHERE on the blog asking for donations for things like hospital bills. In fact, all they asked for was well wishes and maybe a scrap card, and quite honestly a kidney...LOL...But no money.
Who would try to scam someone for a card????? I mean really folks.
As for the "A3" or whatever that might have been a hospital room #, I googles the info, and yes, it did come up as a trailor park. And they DO go by numbers Like S1 or H8( Given address for that paticular trailor park ).
But did anyone sop and think that maybe she didn't want everyone to know that it was in fact a trailor park?? Maybe that was not something she wanted to advertise to the whole fricken world. No, they should not have had people assume that it was a hospital. For all we know this is her house.
But lets be honest for just a moment here, As we all agree that people tend to think the worst of people out here on the net. Naughty Pimptress is Satan's Sister from what I gather on these blogs, So I can only imagine what some of you people think of someone living in a trailor park.
Would you have sent her card, not knowing her AT ALL, from your suburb in middle america? probably not. The people that REALLY care have already mailed the cards. So why bother discussing something so minimal??? As I have mentioned before, they were NOT asking for donations!!!!!!!
Get over yourselves!!!
Get over yourselves!!!
July 24, 2008 7:55 PM
Seems like you're the one who needs to get over herself. For starters, if you don't want something discussed, don't go putting it all out there. Also, people have a right to their opinions and the freedom to express them. If you can't handle that, don't visit the places that allow frank, honest discussion.
Would you have sent her card, not knowing her AT ALL, from your suburb in middle america? probably not. The people that REALLY care have already mailed the cards.
^^^^
Then why were any requests made outside her blog??
For someone who's bitching about people being judgemental, you sure seem to have made quite a few judgements of your own.
8:54
if you bend over i'll gladly pull that stick out of your ass for you
like a good neighbor
:)
2:42 I want to hear what you REALLY think, so please bend over hun, you're muffled.
LMFAO @ 9:43's comment
awww....I guess you people really don't like to admit when your wrong.....must be so god damn nice to piss rainbows.
So how about the Stampin' Up idiot spamming all of Heather Ann's mail list. And how the hell did her email list end up being available publicly?
No, the readers here are choosing to ignore you in hopes that you go away back to the other blogs, and we can try to have some intelligent conversations here.
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awww....I guess you people really don't like to admit when your wrong.....must be so god damn nice to piss rainbows.
I got the note from Heather Anne saying her mailing list was compromised, but I didn't get the email from the Stampin Up rep. Makes me nervous a SU! rep could figure out how to hack her mail list.
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So how about the Stampin' Up idiot spamming all of Heather Ann's mail list. And how the hell did her email list end up being available publicly?
July 24, 2008 11:51 PM
I actually got the SU email about an hour after the Heather Ann apology...and it went straight to my spam folder.
Why when a celebrity dies it always generates threads on Chatter. Estelle Getty?
This is funny though...
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136543
Did she actually read the story she linked re: William Hung. How could she think that was real?
Umm, if it was a hoax, why would she even bother posting it??? That makes her just as sick as those who made it up.
Some people have no shame. Talk about shameless fishing for RAKS:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136582
(Although I do agree that the price is ridiculous. Do people really pay that for a digi kit?)
about the william hung thread...did tarty mean it with a lol before she realized it was a hoax?
Some people have no shame. Talk about shameless fishing for RAKS:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136582
(Although I do agree that the price is ridiculous. Do people really pay that for a digi kit?)
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I did. It isn't just a KIT, sheesh people! It is like 3 huge KITS, and worth every penny imo! I have bought only a few pieces of their Happy Garden Collection, but I HAD to have every piece of this one right away.
Some have more of a budget to buy digi stuff, some don't. $16 doesn't phase me. Especially when something is as jam packed as that collection is.
And I agree to the shameless RAK comment however. I don't wait for RAK's, if something is good enough quality and worth the buck, I just have to go get it - like I did with this collection.
about the william hung thread...did tarty mean it with a lol before she realized it was a hoax?
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Sounded like she was being sarcastic...? Who knows... weird thread!
I'm also tired of the 'waah, waah I love ____ kit, but can't afford it' type of posts. There are PLENTY of people who like things they can't afford-it's called life and sticking to a budget.
I guess the people who post that kind of drivel just have no shame and/or class. Really, what purpose do these posts serve? They're either hinting around for a so-called RAK or they're big whiny babies who think they are the only ones who have to do without a WANT once in a while.
@@ Spare us all, please. There are lots of people in the world doing without not just wants like scrapping/hobby crap, but actual NEEDS.
I'd gladly pay $16 for a kit that's packed, is versatile, and I can use all or at least most of the elements. It's quality, not quantity with me. And think about it, how much would you go drop at another store for the same amount of supplies? It's all about comparison shopping and budgeting, just like everything else in life.
This is funny though...
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136543
Did she actually read the story she linked re: William Hung. How could she think that was real?
July 25, 2008 11:07 AM
I never cease to be amazed at how gullible some people can be. I just don't see how someone who reads that whole article could have possible believed it. Yeesh.
Some people have no shame. Talk about shameless fishing for RAKS:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136582
^^
I seriously cannot believe the nerve of some of these people and their hints and sucking up for CT positions.
Gag-retch-puke
I know of at least two instances where FlCindy has begged to be on a CT, and then before completing any layouts she has to leave the team for various medical reasons. I am sure though that she was able to DL as many quick pages that she could get.
so wonderful to see all the DST bitches comiserating in one area.
get over yourselves
So why are YOU here then?
Well since smacking DST is the theme of this blog, I think we are within our rights to be here and talk about what we want...Please go away and leave us alone, I hear your Darkside friends calling...
Sara Ellis must be reading the celebrity obits today, she posted about another one.
http://www.isyndra-and-friends.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53_73&products_id=638&zenid=ovmb4r8h806fua9vr31212ftj6
I would like to see a CT layout using the fat chicks in this kit.
wow i wouldn't download that kit or anything from that site if it was free....
And while I am wasting some good free time here, why, might I ask, when someone disagrees with someone on ANY smack blog, they automatically assume they are from the darkside???
No...I am not affliated with the dark side, I don't even remember posting there. I am just observing.
Did they really rub the "DST-ers" the wrong way???
There is a regular drive by poster here that continues to stop by and call everyone bitches, douche bags,and whatever other jr high language she can think of on any given day. Her style is distinct, and it is obvious it is the same person that considers the Darkside the greatest blog on earth. It would be great if she stayed there, as her only purpose here is to try and start trouble, as she *never* contributes to the current conversation. It is annoying, but most know just to ignore her.
8:25 am. REALLY? You must be the know all that ends all arent you?
11:54 to answer your question.
The Darkside posted several screenshots of several different designers that posted personal financial information about people they "suspected" to be "pirates" at a hidden stream at DST. One of them, who was an up and coming designer, got slammed SO BAD that she stopped designing altogether because people were believing the trash they wrote about her. None of them showed proof of any acts of piracy and now they are mad at the owners of the Darkside, who I understand arent even DST members, for posting that information. They've shed light on designers who bash pirates, but ARE pirates. They've posted information about designers who uses other artwork and claim it as their own and they've posted information about a designer who stole another popular designers work and sold it and called it her own work.
Because of this the ladies at the Darkside have been labeled MANY names including "pirates" but of course, no proof is provided of their piracy. They're just hated for doing what they do. In the beginning when they were questioned about who they were, they let everyone believe what they wanted by not giving out personal information, which was their right but have since made it clear that they are not pirates.
The good thing is they are on the side of defending people who are being wronged and arent slamming people without proof. They will not lay claim to anyone's "opinion" or "heresay", they ask for proof and dismiss things if proof isnt provided.
People hate them for what they've exposed at the DST, plain and simple.
If sasha or patricia join in the conversations at either of the two smack blogs, they get accused of trying to "pimp their blog". They essentially get harrassed just because they exposed some wrong doings. Many people are always accusing them of posting anonymously at these blogs when they claim otherwise. I mean truly, what reason would they have to post anonymously.
People claim they dont have traffic going to their blog. It's been said that they post anonymously on their own blog, so they've posted a screenshot of their stat counter showing how many hits (as well as page views so people dont get it confused) their blog receives.
I'm very positive i'll be told here to go back to the darkside and stay away from this blog, to which my response is simply no.
I have a right, the same way you all do, to visit which ever blog I wish to visit. I've contributed in conversations on this blog before and will continue to do so. But the slamming of the darkside is becoming ridiculous. It seems like all THIS blog wants to do is just that - slam the Darkside. Even though they came to the DEFENSE of many who were being wronged.
If you all want the talk about the Darkside to stop, then simply stop slamming them and their readers wont feel they have to come to their defense.
To address the 8:25's comment about the insane idiot who keeps coming to this blog posting crap, let it be known that same person has been to ALL the blogs, so how you came to the conclusion that it's a darkside member completely escapes me. I think it's someone who just enjoys stirring up crap. They went ballistic not too long ago at the obits and they've been posting crap at the darkside as well which eventually gets removed to spare us all the headache. But I guess it's just easier to slam the darkside right?
Just like it's easy to claim all the lunatic posters on the planet are coming from the darkside.
Anyway, i've spoke my peace on this issue. Im sure just as they have, i'll get slammed here too but I really dont care. I'm sure at least one person will claim i'm either Sasha or Patricia posting anonymously too, because it's so predictable.
Just know that you're not going to stop me from joining conversations here (or anywhere for that matter) because i've been doing it from the very opening of this blog and will continue to do so. I have the same rights as the rest of you.
July 26, 2008 2:56 PM
lol
Just how is one suppose to expose someone who HIDES behind fake names?
I am amazed at how you jump to their defense when they are clearly someone you really do not know.
Our assumptions of them are just that OURS, we don't like them, So what are you trying to do? MAKE US?
And yes they do pimp their blog on other already created blogs.
And again I'll say it No one actually knows who they are or even if there is a THEY it just may be one person.
Who cares? No one here yet you keep coming back to try to convince us to give them a brake
LMAO give a brake to a bash blog owner ??
OHHH THE IRONY.......
Can I get the cliff notes version of July 26, 2008 2:56 PM's post?
now how do you know that she doesnt really know them?
i guess YOU are just fueling assumptions.
at least what they post comes with proof and they're not just spattering rumors.
hate them all you want, i really dont give a damn.
the point you're missing is, maybe if you'd shut your trap about them, they'd go away
wow In reading through all these posts it simply astounds me how the obvious few SAME people feel their opinion is 100% correct and your opinion means NOTHING if it varies from their own.
i'm really sorry for you.
Patty's last post on her own blog in the comments, she is SPECULATING (her word) that paper products are very similar to digital stuff she sees....I thought she was all about proof? Why is she casting doubt and fueling a fire with rumors? Talking out of both sides of her mouth if you ask me. That whole conversation is stupid. Are CU products limited to only digi designers? Of course not. But since there is no digi dirt for them to post they are now trying to stir the pot for a battle between paper and digital designs.
Newsflash...Lots of digi designers are also paper designers for major manufacturers, could that be why the designs are similar? Definitely. And yes I am posting here, so they can't say - Hi Miss Comcast Chicago.
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at least what they post comes with proof and they're not just spattering rumors.
July 27, 2008 7:50
amen
I think you missed her point - Patricia's last post in the comments was purely speculation to fuel rumors, not proof.
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at least what they post comes with proof and they're not just spattering rumors.
July 27, 2008 7:50 AM
Did Rose Farver ever announce her ct? It would be kind of interesting to see who went for all the requirements.
I looked and couldn't find anything on a Rose Farver CT announcement. I didn't spend a lot of time, but I checked her blog and DST and didn't find anything. Maybe nobody applied?
If you're going to quote at LEAST have the decency to quote CORRECTLY.
" Patricia KnowItAll said...
I am only going on speculation here, and my own eyes, but I have in fact noticed alot of CU "stamps" and some "Hand Drawn Doodles" that are VERY similar to the stamps I find at my scrap store. And papers, yep, I see a lot of similar papers that can easily be scanned and sold as a digital product. Something that is in fact against the law. But can I prove it? No. Because anyone can scan a piece of paper, add a few brush strokes, overlays, etc. and call it their own.
But it would be interesting to find out if this true. I have not personally heard of this."
She states that she cannot prove it in plain sight and follows up to say "but it would b interesting to find out if this true. I have not personally heard of this".
Where does she say 100% that it's true. She stated what she saw and that was it.
Stop trying to make trouble where there is none.
If I wanted to hear about what is happening at the darkside, I'll go there.
However, I don't so why don't we stick to this blogs topics or other digiscrap gossip.
Is there some new "critique" or "reveal" or other smack blog in the last week or 2? I'm trying to figure out what the hell Barb Speck is ranting about. I know of these active blogs: this one, strictly reveal, "the critique" the obits and the darkside. am i missing any?
Can you link to Barb's rant?
Boy you will say and do ANYTHING to spread the hate for the darkside. What I find so sickening is that you are to chicken shit to post at the blog. Are you afraid that I'll find out just which gold/diamond member you are???
Get a life, I said they look "Similar" I did not say, EVER, that they were the SAME.
Same and SIMILAR are 2 totally different things.
You rode the short bus, didn't you?
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=136753
Thanks for the link, but it is in DCR, sadly I was denied entrance at the door. Any chance for a cut and paste?
here is barb specks rant and YES, i'm a DARKSIDER
Long Rant and I Changed My TOU Once Again
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and considering what has been transpiring on anonymous blogs and by people who think they can take someone else's property and critique it or reveal it without permission I have just added what is below to my TOUs. You are more then welcome to add this to yours if you see fit.
I don't believe one individual has the chutzpah (nerve) to think they are better versed in design, know a program better then the designer using it, and can themselves know they will never have a mistake in any of their products because they are so perfect and feel the need to critique others anonymously. There is no one who is perfect amongst us and those who think they are get pleasure out of playing G-d with someone else's life and reputation and IMHO they need a reality check. And of course it's being done anonymously because they don't have the guts to do it out in the open where I for one would say ok you critique my product and I'll critique your product. I say it's time for us to stand up and say enough. These blogs aren't doing anything positive for this community and why now people think this community needs them is beyond me. I've been designing over 5 years now and we didn't need big brother looking over our shoulder back when and we I certainly don't believe we need it now.
If you aren't happy with a product you buy then go to the source. That is the only real way a designer is going to get better or know there is a problem. If you get something at the grocery store and you get it home only to find it is bad you don't sit around hoping the grocery store will know not to let the bad items get by them. Designers are human beings and thereby we are not perfect. If you feel you are perfect I'd like to shake your hand. Of course now that I've said my peace and added what's below to my TOU it will give all those anons once again the advantage to smack me on the blogs. Have at it. It hasn't ruined me yet and in fact the more I got smacked the better my sales got!! Yeah I've read them all and I don't know why because they just raise my blood pressure but I guess I do it because it gives ME the reality check I need and that's there are a lot of unhappy people in this world wanting to pass on that unhappiness to others and a lot of people who think they know it all and are better then most of us mere humans. Give me my mere, imperfect humans any day.
"There is a preview in this kit and it is FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. My kit graphics and/or previews MAY NOT be used to critique this kit by unknown people or people I have not given express permission for a critique whether the kit has been purchased by one wanting to do a critique or gotten by illegal means. The only people who have permission at present to critique my kits are those store owners in whose stores I sell at and the critique is being done as part of quality control. Likewise my previews MAY NOT be used on reveal sites. My previews and kit graphics belong to me and also may not be used by taggers or for web graphics without my express permission. To do so will be considered in violation of this Terms of Use and my copyright." If you as a customer have a problem with anything in this kit, I expect you to contact me so that I can make it right for you.
Thank you for posting, hmmm, she is pretty full of herself. I would love if the critique blog did something of hers, sadly though the Miss Critic probably wouldn't want to waste her money just for blog material.
OMG too funny! Barb Specks sales increased? That lady produces crap! Period. Who the hell would buy her stuff much less critique it.
Sorry... Barb is just blowing steam because she got slammed again for creating CRAP!
She really needs to get over herself. You would figure by now after 5 years she'd realize that she'll never cut it in the digi world.
Again.. her stuff is CRAP! LOL
Does Barb (or any other designer for that matter) think that anything in her TOU really means anything? This is laughable!
It looks like Barb has a lot of designers agreeing with her. Its a sad thing to watch.
I don't think Barb has a lot of designers agreeing with her. In fact, I would venture a guess that a great deal of us are just staying out of this muck publicly and shaking our heads at her behind the scenes.
Barb has no right to tell anyone they cannot review and critique her product. I am a designer. If I put a product up for sale, I better make damn sure it has been QC'd. If not, then why shouldn't a customer bring me to task for selling 2nd quality crap.
It is this self-induced, false sense of entitlement by some designers that keeps the drama of piracy alive. People just want to knock you off your self made pedestal there Barb.
Maybe she does it on purpose - I mean she did state that she received an increase in business - so hey, why not stir the pot now and again.
While I agree with a previous poster that her work is very poor - its so old school digital and I can't imagine anyone actually using it to scrap with. In fact, where are the layouts using her products...I would love a peek there...oh but I digress....
So here it is - Barb, shut up. Create top quality product and you won't have to worry about a blog "ruining your reputation". Besides, they aren't setting out to ruin reputations. They are there to say what they think about the art that we are producing. And you know what else there Barb, Monica Larsen deserved what came at her in that blog - she went in there avoiding the issue by suggesting that her bag had been acquired illegally. Whatever. bottom line it had serious flaws. She sold crap and then got pissed when it came to light. Hmmm...just like you. Lose the attitude and take some refresher courses in design and qc your work.
That's my buck fifty on the latest Barb sighting.
To be honest, I really don't care what designer's put in their TOU's. I don't share my kits, nor do I download anybody else's kits. That should be good enough.
I allow my grown daughter to use my computer and my kits to make layouts of her own. I don't have to buy a new Photoshop license when somebody else uses my computer, so why the hell should I purchase a new kit when someone else wants to use it on my computer.
I think designers are way out of control on their TOU's, and so I don't even read them. I pay my $5.99 for your kit, move on. It's absolutely ridiculous.
And about Barb specifically...I'm surprised she can still even "design" anything without Tandika providing tutorials and ideas for her.
I think designers are way out of control on their TOU's, and so I don't even read them. I pay my $5.99 for your kit, move on. It's absolutely ridiculous.
Ditto! The first thing I do when I unzip a kit is delete the TOU and all the piracy notifications. When my dd sits down to scrap on my computer she uses my software and my kits. I bought them, end of story. If I was a pirate I would be ignoring the piracy warnings anyway, and because I'm not a pirate I ignore them. So what's the point of putting them there, other than to make the designer feel as those she's doing something to stop the piracy. Those little warnings don't mean to shit to someone who's going to pirate the kit.
Catching up on my paper smack blog and found this link:
http://digicopycats.blogspot.com/
Are the paper girls just catching on to how things are done?
Why is it always the mediocre to crappy designers who have the highest level of self entitlement? The list of designers and stores I buy from has seriously decreased lately. If it's a hobby for you, then give away freebies. If it's a business, run it like a business and act professionally. And like the other posters, I really don't care what you spout off about in your TOU. I use my scrapping supplies for myself, and the ones who are going to pirate don't give a rat's ass about your whiny TOU either. It all makes me want to go listen to some Metallica.
2:28 I like your attitude. :)
LOL at Barb Speck's addition to her TOU. Her stuff is not my style so not a problem for me.
July 28, 2008 11:27 AM
this blog was created today and you ran across it today?
weird
specialy since they discussed digital vs paper just the other day at the darkside
Sounds like a new blog who was created by someone you dont like ...
lol names are catchy as well
letting you know
patriciaknowit all
just a speculation here but very odd
Sorry to confuse...I was reading the paper scrap smack blog and saw the copy cat blog posted...thought I would share since a couple digi designers were called out. It seems the paper girls are just starting to learn about CU and commercial use. Amy Martin was very quick to defend Amy Wolff. I don't know when it was created or by whom, just was surprised to see someone calling it copying.
oh i see, well its still strange and that they are using no names and a g mail as well, just a little suspect if you ask me.
why don't we just drag those stupid round letter thingies through the mud again. I could care less if designers are using istock photos. If people have that kind of time to hunt that stuff down, they may need to step away from the computer.
Does Barb (or any other designer for that matter) think that anything in her TOU really means anything? This is laughable!
July 28, 2008 12:43 AM
____________
Maybe not to you but if you want to have a good reputation as a designer, you better respect other's designers TOUs.
I don't think Barb has a lot of designers agreeing with her. In fact, I would venture a guess that a great deal of us are just staying out of this muck publicly and shaking our heads at her behind the scenes.
Amen Sister! I have had to shake it a few times reading that thread!
So who are the designers that are agreeing with her? Do tell, I would like to know which designers are scared to have their work publically reviewed.
=====
"Maybe not to you but if you want to have a good reputation as a designer, you better respect other's designers TOUs."
======
Unless, of course, the designer's TOU is as ridiculous and completely unenforceable as the one posted here.
(And, umm... Hi, Barb!)
so that would be like a restaurant forbidding a food critic from critiquing their food!!! for goodness sakes that is ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!
Not to change the subject, but what do you think of the new design conest at FPD? I think it looks pretty good so far. I already subscribed to the newsletter so I got to start downloading the freebies right away.
Digital Darkside
-----------------------
The foulmouthed vulgarities spewed by the blog owners really destroys any credibility they claim to have in terms of 'outing' supposed wrongdoers.
Barb Speck
------------------
To whoever posted the 'rant', you violated the DCR confidentiality agreement in doing so. Barb has a right to express her opinion on a private forum. If she wanted everyone to hear it she would have done it in chatter.
If you can't respect the confidentiality of this forum, please PM Ripal and have yourself removed.
Critique Blogs
----------------
I think this is an interesting topic - what do people think about critique blogs? What do you think about designers who oppose them? Do you think they make designers more accountable for quality?
2:25 SUPPOSED? Youre funny.
Few care how the information gets posted as long as the wrong doers AND the wrong doings are exposed.
I guess I would say to Barb Speck to not post anything she would be ashamed of if anyone were to see it.
I'm glad someone posted it and I hope they remain hidden so they can continue to expose the what seems to be never ending b.s. that spews from the DST DCR.
Digital Darkside - Agree with you.
Barb Speck - The DCR has not been private for a long, long time. Everyone that posts there should know, whatever they post could be put out here for public consumption.
Critique Blogs -
I like them, and hope it makes designers a bit more accountable for what they are putting out. I purchased those vintage albums that were put up there, even though she pointed stuff out, I still liked what I saw, and determined the "mistakes" were not enough to stop me from buying.
I am more interested in how a designer reacts to the critique, and those designers that send stuff in I have some respect for also. Huge turnoff to see a designer go off on a tantrum in public though.
2:25 SUPPOSED? Youre funny.
Few care how the information gets posted as long as the wrong doers AND the wrong doings are exposed.
=========================
Yes but the problem with 'exposing' 'wrongdoers' on a smack blog is there is no accountability. People can be falsley accused and smeared.
Just like when designers were discussing potential pirates on the DCR, assuming they were guilty.
#2 is bad but doesn't justify #1. You can damage someone's business, their livelihood, their kids by posting false rumors and misinformation anonymously. It's not really that funny.
Huge turnoff to see a designer go off on a tantrum in public though.
======================
No kidding...ITA
So I didn't see where Barb's stuff was even actually critiqued anywhere???
Was she just upset about the possibility of a negative critique?
I am so NOT surprised that Barb Speck is the designer who's foaming at the mouth over the critique blogs.
I doubt that there's really enough interest in her stuff to induce a critique, but if one happened, I'm sure she would be worried. Her designs are so awful. Like someone else said, so old-school digital and uber cheesy.
Maybe she gets pity sales?
Barf Speck is a joke! Her "designs" are a joke. She's afraid someone exposes her inability to put something decent together (like we need anyone to tell us that.) Frankly, I could not care less about her, her product or her ridiculous TOU.
I am following all this with great interest. Designers who can take critique and turn it into something positive have my utmost admiration. They show professionalism and they respect their customers. In an industry where there are no returns, it is extremely important for me to know that the designers I buy from produce quality product and are willing to accept critique to improve their product.
Designers who cannot handle it are obviously afraid. It is not surprising that only the bottom-of-the-heap designers are up in arms about reveal blogs. The good ones have nothing to worry about, it's actually free advertising for them.
Designers who cannot handle it are obviously afraid. It is not surprising that only the bottom-of-the-heap designers are up in arms about reveal blogs. The good ones have nothing to worry about, it's actually free advertising for them.
July 29, 2008 4:12 PM
______________
Well said!
Can someone share the link for the critique blog(s)?
links are the home age of this blog
typo correction:
Links are on the home page of this blog.
^^
I should check the links section on the homepage more often!
Thanks for letting me know.
ROFL. If I were to draw/illustrate/paint every single piece in one of my kits, it would cost a customer a helluva a lot more than $4 or $5 bucks.
3:07 thats why the darkside is different. The owners do not post anything as 100% unless they have the proof to back it up. It's not a "traditional" smack blog.
They have in the past voiced their opinions on things but have been very careful to state that it's just their opinion and cannot claim it as fact.
Everyone has their own opinion about who they are and they are 100% entitled to it. As for me, I respect them for staying true to their philosophy of providing 100% proof or they will not make any claims.
omg, darkside owner, go away
"omg, darkside owner, go away"
Seriously, the discussion has changed away from the darkside. Let's keep it that way.
Ditto...we've moved on. Pass it on. Focus on Barb Speck.
No she was never critiqued. Although people are begging for it.
________
Seriously, the discussion has changed away from the darkside. Let's keep it that way.
July 29, 2008 8:07 PM
http://www.getdigiwithit.com/education.html
Too bad the education leader can't proof her own ad.
Barb is too old to care what anyone thinks of her or her designs. Apparently she's doing pretty well.
I'd rather deal w/her than some one who blasts comments made in the DCR all over smack blogs just to mock their fellow designers.
7:25 why do you think every post that supports the darkside is automatically the owner? You know maybe if you'd shut your big mouth youd get your wish.
Well, it's almost August, so that means it's time for the big DST Creative Team debut. I can hardly wait! (cough, cough)
I'm still wondering if anyone really forked over $350, or if spots were gifted or 'rak'd.
My guess is that someone who is very cozy with Shannon got a spot gifted to spur interest. Something like .... Designer blabla ... was kind enough to let us use her as an example how we will promote your kit... bla bla bla ... Would not surprise me if the spots are filled for free by Shannon peeps until a real dumb one comes along, gets suckered in and pays. Nobody in their right mind would fork over that kind of money to promote a single kit and frankly, I would not purchase a kit that was promoted to death. That's a total turn-off.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=389241&cat=all&limit=last7
I dare someone to post this in gallery standouts.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=389241&cat=all&limit=last7
I dare someone to post this in gallery standouts.
July 30, 2008 8:23 AM
Go for it. Okay, so while I am a strong supporter of nursing babies that's a little overboard. I know lots of people nurse a lot longer then I ever did, or then I ever thought was necessary or appropriate, but to actually post that page online? Give me a break. There are nursing pages that are tastefully done, this definitely isn't one of them. Scrap it, print it, put it in an album, but it definitely does not belong on the WWW!
Why would anyone in their right mind post that? What bad taste.
I am sure the BF and LaLeche folks think that is beautiful, but I agree, not for public posting. *demonstrating strong restraint from posting additional comments about that layout*
I'm not saying she's right, but i'm not saying she's wrong either. I'm just saying foreign countries have different ideas about what's acceptable and what isnt.
At least the kids are fairly small. I was at an amusement park the other day and saw a woman sitting on a bench tandem feeding a 2-3 year old and a 1-2 year old. I breastfed my kids and even that made me uncomfortable. I really just don't want to see boobs hanging out in public, much like that layout. I agree that's for private consumption only. Now let the LLL flame me.
Yes, Amanda, proof read your web page both education and curriculum are spelled wrong, there are other mistakes, but I don't feel like being the grammar police today.
Not to take us off topic from the milking layout, but can we discuss this Amanda Dykan thing? I saw this post on DST:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=137198
She is creating a list of digi instructors, and says it is free to be added to the list she is going to send to store owners. But the web page that was linked states there is an education package to purchase. I would *assume* if I was contacted by a store to teach, the expectation is I would have to use the Design Originals materials? Since I am a corporate trainer IRL this has me curious. I have been talking to my LSS for awhile about Digi classes, but we came to the conclusion the students would need hands on instruction, and a computer lab is not available in the LSS. We can't make the logistics work for it to be worthwhile (profitable) for either of us.
Another thing bothering me about her post, if I was in her position - essentially recommending digi instructors, she has not done her homework to know if anybody that sends in their name is worthy of leading a class. She is not stating any minimum requirements. Her approach seems flawed in more ways then one.
_______
http://www.getdigiwithit.com/education.html
Too bad the education leader can't proof her own ad.
July 29, 2008 8:42 PM
Amanda Dyken's approach to business period is flawed. She acts and reacts as if troubled with ADD. She makes promises that fall through and follows these up with seriously childlike excuses rather than rectifying situations. I believe she is one of those designers who sees her business as "family" and not something that should be planned, executed and maintained as a professional undertaking.
Let's not forget how she flauted her site subscription to whatever that club of her is called during the Tandika fallout And people went there to find nothing. She hadn't even set it up yet. WTF? You shouldn't be selling stuff you don't even have ready. Her response to this in the DST was to state how busy she was, its coming, don't worry. Pat everyone on the head and keep smiling. At the very least, she shouldn't have gave the impression it was ready to go. Introduce it, promote it and when its ready, then you can open up the subscription process.
This recent example given does not at all surprise me or others I am sure. She is all over the place but not seriously focused on anything.
And before the bleeding hearts find their way in here waving their "oh this blog is so bad" flags, note that this isn't personal. My opinion is not an attack on her person. It's an opinion on her publicly visible lack of professionalism and follow though.
So who has determined that Design Originals is the education leader? I have never heard of them and don't know anyone who has used their teaching products.
Has anyone look through the site. The forums do not fit my screen and I have to scroll to read them. How digi with it is that???
http://www.getdigiwithit.com/designteam.html
Obviously her grammar challenges extend throughout the getdigiwithit empire
I would love to see their digital class outlines. I find it really hard to believe there is a LSS owner that is even remotely interested in promoting Digital.
And to whoever posted that BF layout, put a disclaimer on that next time.
She is still not meeting her promises for her subscription site. After extending our memberships because she did not get tutorials posted like she promised (big deal, I get another 4 months of nothing!), she next promised us a full college-level course for Illustrator, with lessons to be posted twice per week, beginning in early June. It is now the end of July, and she just got lesson 5 posted (Finally, after a couple of designers kept questioning her about it! That makes for about one lesson every 2 weeks, not 2 lessons every week.) And still we wait for new tutorials in the remainder of the club as well. Lessons that she keeps promising are all done, she "just hasn't had time to get them posted". (despite repeated promises that she will get it done, right away) she is too busy starting other new projects to finish the ones she promised I guess. sigh. I'd really rather have my money back than a bunch of empty promises. I'm just about ready to cut loose and join the couple people that have been brave enough to complain non-anonymously. though I think she deleted one of their posts.
She doesn't pay her designers on time either. Always has an excuse about being busy or something to do with internet access. She lost a lot of staff since opening too - seems there is good reason.
I see Heather Manning is sticking with her. I recall looking at the site the last time it was brought up and remember Michelle Underwood was there, but I can't recall who the other previous designers were listed.
Wow that B*stfeeding LO is over the top...her other work is really good but it's not even tastful...
I would croak if someone did a CT layout like that...
She needs to be aware that there are sickos out there that get off on that type of thing...
In the case of that layout, those breasts are the farthest away from sexy that anyone could be. They are swollen, veiny and hanging. If a sicko gets off on that, well all the power to them.
Ha, that made me laugh. I don't know what my designers would say if I turned in a CT layout with a picture like that. Hmm, I may have to play a little joke on someone.
You guys are really baiting the Leche club today. Eagerly awaiting their arrival.
I don't think anyone is baiting LLL. Merely questioning the layout that was posted.
I don't think anyone is baiting the LLL or saying that people can't or shouldn't BF.
Just that a LO such as that one should be kept private.
I don't think anyone is baiting the LLL or saying that people can't or shouldn't BF.
Just that a LO such as that one should be kept private.
July 30, 2008 5:59 PM
ITA. Those are the kind of layouts that are for private eyes only, not for the World Wide Web.
how about another topic. why are the same people always posted at gallerystandouts.com?
... because they are good? That wasn't right. I looked through all the layouts and I guess I should have paid attention to the names. But the layouts that I saw on the first full page were excellent. I'm going to take a guess and say that's why they are featured? kick in knowing people who run the blog and there you have it.
It is not a surprise that you will see the same names being picked.
Obviously some of these people are good scrappers...that is why they are picked to be on CT's.
Also they participate in the forums and their names get recognized...that is part of what marketing is about.
Ask yourself who is doing the postings in the gallery stand out thread and you will have your answer.
I'm OK w/GSO but I find it hard to comment on a Lo that has 40+ comments already...I mean why not comment on some unloved LO by someone that never gets attention...
There are some really good scrappers who get very few comments/views...
I have to chime in on the Amanda Dykan issue because I am a current designer for her. I'll no doubt be found out but at this rate I could give a shit because I am livid! I have been VERY patient with Amanda and given her every opportunity to get me paid. This is my final straw. Whoever posted that there is excuse after excuse after excuse is dead on! I am tired of being treated like someone who doesn't do shit for the site. I am forever promoting it and always active. But there comes a time when you can take the whinning and excuses no longer. I do not have proof but I am almost sure that I have had pay held. Where it went is beyond me. We are always getting an excuse for why something is NOT done and why we have not been paid on time. I am tired of her being busy with this and that. I am tired of feeling that if I mention it openly that I will be blacklisted by her popular friends. She has more ideas in her own head that she can handle, always wanting to be better then one site or another. She claims to be a professional and coming from the paper world that she knows something about design or shop ownership. Enough is enough Amanda. Pay up, straighten up or next time I am putting a name to my posts so everyone can see that you are not following through on your promises to our team or the customers! Behind closed doors this woman is very different then what you are all seeing. I am so angry at yet another unprofessional, inexperienced shop owner!!!
Why wait if it's taking her this long to do the right thing yet still hasnt?
It never ceases to amaze me how many people will say "she's different behind closed doors" and "you wouldnt believe what type of a person she REALLY is" yet still associate with that person UNTIL they get screwed over and then are SHOCKED at the outcome.
If you know someone isnt right, then DO something about it before someone else gets messed over.
I am right there with you 1:30pm. In fact, I am so happy that this is being brought out into the open.
Amanda Dyken has NEVER paid on time. Ever. We are talking average of a week overdue every single pay period - once I think it was like 9 days. And just like the poster said earlier, she always has lame excuses. Usually, and please tell me how logical this is, she claims that the "internet was slow" - puhlease. Last payday she was in Chicago. Big City. Millions of people do business everyday in Chicago - just what are the odds that her computer was so slow she couldn't process payments through paypal. What she is doing is paramount to lying. Yes, I said lying. When you purposely make up excuses to hide your own ineptitude you are lying.
The worst part in my opinion is that she never says anything until people finally get fed up with the silence and post in the forum to ask what's up. If the fact that she cannot "find" time to pay people isn't bad enough, the kicker is that she disrespects us and insults our intelligence by making excuses that are so transparent I am almost embarrassed for her. She is really damaging her reputation. I just wonder if she would wait 7 to 9 days past a contracted payday for her money?
She recently said to her staff that, with every payday comes more resignations. Well no shit Amanda. Wake up and smell those purple flowers. You are losing people because you are mismanaging a business.
Layout of the day:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=389282&cat=all&limit=last7
Discuss.
I personally like the title, Font a little hard to read, but it conveys the message.
I just realized this was a CT layout. Honestly, my eyes were on fire after I saw the picture, I didn't even notice what she used on her page.
____
I would croak if someone did a CT layout like that...
Now I've seen it all.
Looks like Melissa the thief has got her new site running. Can't she design without 90% of the kit being CU?
http://sweetwishscraps.com/store/
Melissa is a joke! There is only one other person posting in the forum and she's only been scrapping for a few months so obviously knows nothing about Melissa's dirty little deeds. Looks like they'll be keeping each other company if nobody else registers there. LOL
Nah, look closer. Mickey this new scrapper posted a layout with a freebie BEFORE it was released! Melissa's been reduced to creating fictitious characters to pimp her own store. And this "Mickey" is at DST too pimping the store.
I am a designer for PPF as well. It's really amazing to see all of the posts about Amanda. Yes, she is normally late with payroll. She has never been more than 4 days late. And, when she IS late I always get a bonus on my paycheck. Every time. Think what you want. Amanda is trying her best.
^^
is this Melissa deranged or something? stealing from other designers? opening a new shop with a different name? making up pretend members on her forum?
Does she seriously think no one knows what she's up to?
Or maybe she's just a product of the happy, happy pretend everything is just peachy DST mentality.
If Amanda is such a bad store owner and business person, why is she still in business?
If she's late making payroll and holding out money on designers why on earth is ANY.ONE selling at her store?
You know 10:12 - what does "she is doing the best she can" really mean? Does it mean that because she is considered to be a nice, sweet person that its acceptable to run late every payday and then offer up excuses every time? In the end you may receive a "bonus" that makes your heart skip a beat of gratitude, but isn't the point that it shouldn't happen at all?
If a corporate employer was late every payday would you say, "they are doing the best they can". I doubt it.
You know, it is a huge responsibility to run a store. It is not a part time hobby. It is not something you work on only "when" you find the time. Those designers, you included, are contractors. Not best friends. If she contracted for a certain date to pay them, it should be there on that day.
With all the fraud that has run through our industry in the past couple of years, you would think a store owner would go overboard to demonstrate ethical, responsible business practices. You would think that they would want and carry pride in being known as a store that pays on time and treats their staff with respect. You would think that this would be considered "doing the best you can"
Didn't Michelle Underwood sign on to Get Digi With It? I don't see her name on the designer's list anymore...If a long time designer like that bails quickly, there's your first sign of things amiss.
There has been talk of Amanda's questionable abilities as a store owner for a long, long time and on many blogs. Where there's that much smoke, there's usually a fire. There's your second sign.
Seriously, people! The reason she gets away with it is because you won't call her out publicly and walk.
And before the BHB (Bleeding Heart Brigade) jumps all over this, she may be a very nice person. From everything I've heard, she probably is. Unfortunately, not every very nice person is capable of running a business.
Because of the nature of this industry it is not unbelievable that people stay where there are issues - at least for awhile.
I think they stay because of their own personal investment with their name and following - not always because they agree with the behavior of a store owner.
I think bringing issues like this out in the open is a great opportunity for change. Where else are they going to express it? On the DST where they would slammed mercilessly for being ungrateful minions? LOL. Doubtful.
"Unfortunately, not every very nice person is capable of running a business."
Well said 10:46!!
I think bringing issues like this out in the open is a great opportunity for change. Where else are they going to express it? On the DST where they would slammed mercilessly for being ungrateful minions? LOL. Doubtful.
July 31, 2008 10:48 AM
As long as people are afraid to bring things like this out into the open at any digi site (yes-including DST) then the bad behavior is going to continue. I think we've all given way too much power to the sunshine brigade and it's time to take it back.
Or if not, the string of Joedees, Tandikas, Kimberly Gs, MizAmyLous, Ashley Olsens, Scraps for Charity, Melissas/Sweet Wish, etc etc will go on and on and on.....
*shrug* It's up to us
Because Amanda ranks up there with all of those people.
insert eye roll here
Because Amanda ranks up there with all of those people.
insert eye roll here
July 31, 2008 11:30 AM
I'd say paying designers late, holding back from their sales and not following through on the bud club certainly puts her right up there on the list.
There's no proof that Amanda has been holding back on sales. You have one person saying it's possible. I'm curious to know if this designer asked Amanda about it? I was underpaid once at a store and when I showed the owner my concerns she very quickly figured out the mistake. I'm a designer at PPF also - I'd say it's more likely that this designer hasn't had zen cart explained to her.
Paying designers 1, 2, 4 days late puts her in the same category as the others?
That is funny.
The Bud Club always looks active to me when I look in that part of the forum. Full of thank you Amanda - this is so wonderful Amanda! This is just what I was looking for Amanda!
Ah..it isn't just 1,2 or 4 days late. And IF this had only happened every now and then and IF she would stop using the poor internet connection excuse or her standard "been so busy" people may have remained patient. And believe me, patient is what so many of us have remained until now.
And let's look past the late pay and back over at the promises for her site content and what people have paid for and yet to receive.
You can't promise and not deliver.
As long as people like you are patting her on head and "hugging" her, and leaving happy notes in the forum instead of demanding what was paid for - the issue won't change.
Kudos to those coming forward. Kudos.
How much business is Amanda really doing? I looked through both sites and don't see a lot of action going on.
And why she calls herself the leader in teaching when you have Scrappers Guide, DSP classes and SBB classes and tutorials is beyond me. There are a lot of great places to learn digi scrapping.
Even her one lone supporter said this "Yes, she is normally late with payroll."
Not good. Looks like payday at PPF must have been last Friday and the designers are restless.
I think she is marketing this to LSS owners. I bet there are some paper scrappers that would like to try Digi, but don't know to look online to figure it out. They buy a book at the LSS. I can't figure out why a store would promote digi though. Essentially they would lose a customer. I haven't bought scrap supplies, other than albums at my LSS for nearly 2 years.
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And why she calls herself the leader in teaching when you have Scrappers Guide, DSP classes and SBB classes and tutorials is beyond me. There are a lot of great places to learn digi scrapping.
July 31, 2008 12:15 PM
How much business is Amanda really doing? I looked through both sites and don't see a lot of action going on.
^^^^^
This is exactly my question, too!
I haven't seen much of anything new at GetDigiWithIt since its 'big' debut. It looks like Blythe is the only one putting out new product more than rarely.
I also have no idea why Amanda is calling herself the authority or whatever on digital or teaching or classes.
I had honestly NEVER heard of her until all the complaints about the bud club surfaced. With all that needs to be done there at PPF, it was kind of surprising to see GetDigiWithIt start up.
Call me crazy, but why would ANYONE need/want two stores for the same thing?? Running one digital scrapping site/store is hard enough to do well. It's only my opinion, but PPF looks like it could use her undivided attention.
I believe that Amanda is a very nice person who probably has lots of great ideas. However, it seems like she's very scattered with implementing them. I don't think that makes her less of a nice person, just less of an effective business owner.
She's got her finger in too many pies. That's not a good way to do business because every pie gets messed up in the end. I work for a company like that IRL. It's ineffective, frustrating, and brings morale AND productivity down--no matter how well-intentioned the start of every new thing is.
The last payday for PPF was supposed to be the 15th. We were paid on the 23rd. That's not 1, 2 or 4 days.
And yes, I would say that morale is not good when the owner became too busy opening a store that directly competed with PPF by selling digital goods, allowed her design staff to advertise their own personal shops inside PPF and put a lot of other things above the success of this brand new store.
Is Amanda Atilla the Hun? No. NOt by a long shot. I actually think she is a sweet human being - in over her head. Just like someone else said, an ineffective business manager. Unfortunately, her actions are negatively impacting staff that by the nature of the relationship, have entrusted her with their names and reps.
Pay day was changed way back on April 22. Pay Periods are 1 - 15 and 16 - 31. Pay day is on the 5th and the 20th. Pay day was on the 20th - you're right, that's not 1, 2, or 4 days. That's 3.
Maybe she should resticky that thread we all had to sign.
Well then, I stand corrected. It's 3 days. And that makes all the diff since she still had 7 days to process it, doesn't it? She still is late. Isn't that the point?
And perhaps Amanda should "resticky" it for herself since she is the one missing her own dates.
I'm just glad that there are FINALLY some designers gutsy enough to call foul when something is not being handled right by another designer or store owner.
There is NO excuse for late paydays in business. If Amanda can't handle payroll in an accurate and efficient manner, then she needs to turn it over to someone who can.
There is way too much covering up and excusing making in digital. It needs to stop.
3 days late? OMG! That's horrible!
Shut up. Come whining to me when you are treated the way we were at TDS. Or go talk to some of the designers who worked at DF when it was going under.
Gutsy - you call bitching on a smack blog anonymously gutsy? That's the funniest thing I've read on here all day.
Instead of nitpicking about how many days LATE payday was, why not acknowledge that there is a problem.
Why so much ennabling? In the end, you're not being a good friend to Amanda by making excuses for her.
Her irresponsibility or inability to keep up with it all is going to ruin her business eventually. Employees and customers will only put up with so much before it all tanks.
You can still be her friend and expect her to act in a responsible manner. If she's a true friend to you, she will be able to understand that.
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Pay day was changed way back on April 22. Pay Periods are 1 - 15 and 16 - 31. Pay day is on the 5th and the 20th. Pay day was on the 20th - you're right, that's not 1, 2, or 4 days. That's 3.
Maybe she should resticky that thread we all had to sign.
July 31, 2008 1:06 PM
yes, it is ok to have the discussion here, but are these same discussions happening on the shoppe board? I assume you have voiced your concerns directly?
3 days late? OMG! That's horrible!
Shut up. Come whining to me when you are treated the way we were at TDS. Or go talk to some of the designers who worked at DF when it was going under.
July 31, 2008 1:35 PM
YOU are the one who needs to stop the whining. YOU and all the other designers like you let that crap go on, and played like everything was just peachy at both of those sites.
And now little miss Ashley pants is right back at DST with everyone sitting around acting like it never happened.
Quit bitching at the designers who are brave enough to finally call a store owner out on this. Maybe if YOU had been this brave in the past, the same old tired sagas wouldn't be happening over and over and over.
I wish I knew which TDS designer you were, cuz I'd make sure I never bought from you and if I had in the past I'd delete your stuff off my HD so fast it would make your two-faced head spin.
Yes, I'd say it's much more gutsy than all the ennabling that's going on. I wouldn't expect the ennablers to understand this, though.
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Gutsy - you call bitching on a smack blog anonymously gutsy? That's the funniest thing I've read on here all day.
July 31, 2008 1:39 PM
There are some designers who treat what they do as a little hobby and it isn't important if things are not run professionally. That is OK and they should be at shops that have the same view points.
But more and more designers are making what they do a business and they deserve and expect to be treated professionally.
It is up to designers and shop owners to find fits that work for them. If you are a designer and not being treated how you want to be treated it is probably time to move on and find a store that thinks along the same lines as you do.
You can complain all you want, but people like Amanda (remember Holly was really no different) will come and go in any business.
If you've been paid late once it could be a one time situation, if you've been paid late twice shame on the store owner, it you've been paid late three times get the hell out.
Speaking of Amanda...
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=126646&highlight=Bud+Club
Are these Illustrator tutorials as good as she claims?
Skimming through it, it looks very thorough. I haven't had a chance to do the tutorials yet though step by step.
"Gutsy - you call bitching on a smack blog anonymously gutsy? That's the funniest thing I've read on here all day."
I think of it as a public service announcement. Bitching means venom and cattiness - there isn't any of that. I see clear cut issues with management and I haven't read one word of attack on her as a human being. Just some heavy feedback on her business skills.
That's not bitching. This isn't HS - just because someone has a problem with how you do act or perform doesn't equal attack. Its called feedback.
If you've been paid late once it could be a one time situation, if you've been paid late twice shame on the store owner, it you've been paid late three times get the hell out.
July 31, 2008 2:06 PM
Very well said.
I've never undestood why so many designers let things like TDS happen in the first place.
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