digiscrapsmack

Commercial Use

2008-03-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then, this has been something that for some reason or another has started to really grate on my nerves. What is it, you ask? Well, it is the over use of commercial use products. I mean, really, if you have to use 98% of other designers' work to create one freaking kit, is it really worth it?

In my head I am thinking of one particular person. I'll give you a $100.00 gift card to any scrap store if you can tell me who that one person is. She is constantly putting out new products, yet when you look at the descriptions she is always thanking so and so for this, and so and so for that, oh, and don't forget so and so and so and so and so and so! That is just Ridiculous. With a capital R. Puhleeeeeeeze.

Maybe I'm in a shitty mood tonight, but it really is annoying. And, is it me, or has the number of digi designers increased exponentially since the opening of all those commercial use stores? Now you have Jack and Jill designing but are they really? Should they really take the credit if they have to buy so many commercial items to complete their products?

Can you spot the commercial use junkies from a mile away? Do you find yourself avoiding those products or does it matter to you? And, from the designer's perspective, how do you feel about the 1000s of designers that have popped up thanks to commercial use items? A designer friend told me that the DST private designer forum isn't really a good place anymore because of all the new people that have joined since the commercial use boom. Might as well morph it into the rest of the forum since there are already, like, 10,000 people in there.

Thoughts?

Scrapbook Trends

2008-03-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, this was a topic that was emailed in. Let's talk about the trends and phases that we go through as digital scrappers. Who do you think starts the trends? Why do you think certain trends become so popular? What about this new trend of using boxes on layouts? I remember a thread on DST about Mo Jackson and her boxes and then it seems like every designer is coming out with boxes now, like Annie Manning, for example. What is up with that? Do you think that it is okay for designers to take ideas and copy them? Maybe it is okay because they put their own spin on it? I see no problem with it, but I tend to think that if I could design at all, I would probably not want to be viewed as a copier. I think I'd want to be the one starting the trends. Of course, that's easy to say because I have no clue how to design, nor do I have the desire. So, what do you think about all this?

2008-02-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

For our first reader submission, let's talk about what you find when you open up your downloads. I'm not talking about your purchases, I'm talking about all that extra junk. You know, the NO Piracy graphic page, the Thank You page, The Contact Sheet page, the TOU page, the Preview of what you just bought page, the This is Just Here to Take Up Space page, etc.

I hate the No piracy graphic. It is ridiculous and feels like a smack on the face. Like I'm already branded a criminal. I swear, digiland is the only place I've ever downloaded something and had this graphic included with my download. I've never seen it in a font or music download.

So, what do you like to see when you unzip? What do you hate and immediately trash?

I need you

2008-02-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

Either email me at digiscrapsmack@gmail.com or use the comments to let me know what is on your mind regarding digital scrapbooking, digi scrap communities, gossip, what you are wearing right now, what you ate for lunch, who does your taxes....eh, you get the idea. So write and your topic will be the next topic up for discussion.

Muchos Gracias ladies and gentlemen.

Who knew Barbie was a pirate?

2008-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

I thought she was a doll by mattel. Seriously, I have never heard of this person before. Does it make me a terrible person that I don't even care she was pirating? Let me put it this way. I know that I'm a legitimate customer. So is Suzy and Jill and Mary. But it seems to me like Suzy, Jill, Mary, and I now have to wonder if we are all suspected pirates too because the hunt is on. I feel sorry for the designers, I really do. I think it's terrible that they have to deal with it, but lets face it. No matter what is done, it will continue to happen as long as they are selling digital goods. Same with digital movies, music, and software. Yes, fight it but why spend all your time worrying about it when that is so unproductive? Why not wait until you have irrefutable proof? Why not go after the website(s) that allow the postings of stolen goods? That's what the music industry did. They didn't knitpick behind the scenes. They went straight to the source and they still do. Let's talk about it. What do you think? I am all for outing the known pirates. I just don't want to know unless it is known for sure.

Best and Worst Kit of the Day

2008-02-24T09:15:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's Sunday my friends, and that means it is time for the best and worst kit of the day awards. The way I choose the featured kits is simple: I browse the first 4 or 5 pages of the new digital products section at DST and find one that rocks, and one that gives digi a bad name.

So, for the kit of the day, I present to you Zoe Pearn's newest kit. It's called Lush Blooms.

I really like the papers here and the elements look nice. I'm not sure I love the colors, but that is just personal preference. This kit looks like high quality and it is something I would probably buy if I had pictures to go with it. I am not sure about the bingo cards. I don't know what I would do with those, but other than that, great kit Zoe! Do you agree with today's kit of the day? Why or why not?

Okay, on to the worst for today.

I am not even sure what this one is called. I don't know who created it either. I figured it would be in the preview so I didn't bother to get the designer's name. So, if anyone can tell us the name of this kit and the creator, please enlighten us. This whole kit is just terrible. I can tell that the ribbons are Monica Larsen's commercial use ribbons. At least the two at the bottom are. The papers look like someone took the paint bucket tool and just filled in a layer with a single color. The flowers are totally flat and look like dover. Ugh, this is the epitome of why my friends think digi sucks. I need to show them the Zoe kit. Maybe they'll realize not all kits are bad. So, thoughts?

Shop Talk

2008-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about the digi shops out there. By now there are so many that you can't even count them even if you had a calculator. I mean, c'mon now, it has become a bit ridiculous, don't you think?

Did you know that a new digi store has a grand opening somewhere on the world wide web every 7.9 seconds? Uh huh.

So, with so many out there, how do you choose? Do you even try to keep up with the Joneses or do you just stick to your favorites? What are your favorites?

For me, I still like the old tried and true. Gina Cabrera at digitaldesignessentials.com, scrapbook-bytes.com, and designerdigitals. That is pretty much it. Every now and then something will catch my eye in the new products section at DST or someone will start a rave post and I'll venture out of my little cave and into the unknown territory of a new store to grab something new. But mostly, I stick to my old favorites. I must hate change or something. Or maybe it's becaused I get confused easily, with so many designers jumping from store to store like jumping beans on a hot tin roof. It gets hard to keep up.

helloooo out there

2008-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

nope. I'm not Janel k. haha. I just thought of that today actually when I finally logged into this cob webbed ridden blog here. Wouldn't it be funny if people thought I was Janel, well, since, basically I started this thing and then left it without a trace?

Only to return yet again.

And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Yeah, I know, I dropped the ball

2007-09-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

Not that I need to explain myself, but *gasp* I was on vacation in sunny Florida for a few days. I said I would start a tradition by picking a kit of the day and a kit that should never, ever, ever have been released every Sunday. Well, does every week count? I was going to do one today, but unfortunately, either I am missing something (God, I really hope I am!) or there really isn't a kit good enough in the DST designer announcements section to qualify for Kit of the Day.
I did, however, find a: How the Hell did THIS get released? Okay, I am going to give this designer the benefit of the doubt and say that she just had laskik eye surgery and couldn't see very well when she was designing, or maybe she needs a new monitor? Something. Cause I don't think she saw what I'm seeing when she decided, "Hey, this looks great! Time to put it up for sale!" (For $5.00 no less!)
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=76655

Grab Bags?

2007-08-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

This one is easy. I have a hate/love relationship with them. I hate them when I spend my money, download, unzip, and then think, why the hell did I just purchase THIS?? After that, I quickly delete it and make a mental note that I will never do it again. Then, I go off, forgetting that damn mental note, and I get a grab bag that absolutely knocks my too tight socks off! Hell yeah! And then I make a mental note to give grab bags a try again. When I do take the plunge again, I usually download, unzip, and then think, why the hell did I just purchase THIS?? (wait a second...I'm having deja vu here!) Oh yes, that damn mental note: NEVER buy another grab bag again...

can you see where this is going? It is a vicious cycle. For me, anyway. What about you? Do you buy them? Do you love them, hate them? Something in between?

Giving up your first born's name for the sake of some advertising and possible sales?

2007-08-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=75068

I'm not a parent yet, so who am I to talk? Maybe one day I'll tatoo my child's head with my CT name? Or is it not so bizarre to let perfect strangers on a message board name your baby these days? (I know it is just the middle name, but still people!)

Criticizing products or character?

2007-08-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

I was doing some reading on digital disturbances and came across the whole debate on personally bashing designers by name. I think when you (general you) start getting on a personal level by calling people names, attacking character, and such, you are stepping over the line and missing the point. Now, I wholeheartedly agree with voicing your opinion about digital products: what you hate, what you love, what bugs you, what you want to see more of, etc, etc, and all that crap, but what is the real point of talking about how mean, selfish, or nasty someone is? In real life, they may be the biggest bitch on the planet but how do you (again, general you) really know that? Unless you have had actual bitchy customer service or something, then you really don't know. Speaking of that, let me know who has crappy customer service so I can make sure I don't shop there.

A note to designers: don't let the I can't stand this product or look how bad this is get to you personally. It's called business. Customers have the right to discuss their likes and dislikes and what the hell, it may actually be some helpful advice!

Edited to add: someone just emailed and asked if I would delete comments if people start name calling. For the record, nope, I am not going to delet anything. We are all adults and I am not a babysitter. I may not always agree, but I will respect your free speech.

ooh! ooh! Pretty please leave me some love & hugs & cream and sugar!

2007-08-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or do those blog freebies annoy the hell out of you, especially when you know that it is just a ploy to get you to visit their shops and then on top of it, they are begging for comments? Yes, I actually do leave a little thanks for the gift most of the time, but I'll tell you what, nowadays, the freebie quality seems to be going downhill and not only that, the sheer pathetic-y ----PLEASE GIVE ME SOME LOVE! LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF YOU TAKE IT! OOOH OOOH, I AM GOING TO SIT HERE AND REFRESH MY COMMENTS UNTIL I SEE THEM COME ROLLING IN BECAUSE MY SHIT ROCKS!! AND GOSH DARN IT, PEOPLE LOVE ME!--- is really grating on my nerves. I dunno. Perhaps I'm in a crappy mood today but I usually take the freebie and run if they ask for some "love." Sorry sistah, but I don't love you and I may have even thanked you for your generousity, but don't ask me to leave you some love. Only my dog is allowed to do that.

For an example of this, click here, my love.

Kinda "cheating" I don't even kinda care as long as it's good!

2007-08-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=74755

It's Sunday, so I thought I'd start a new tradition

2007-08-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking, again, and although this is technically a smack blog, everyone has designers and things they like, right? Otherwise we'd all be scrapping with real paper (heaven forbid!) or at least with our kids' scanned fingerpaint drawings....

Anyway, I was browsing through the new products section, er, I mean the designer announcements section, and I had an idea. I think every Sunday I am going to choose at least one new product that I personally like, and then I'll showcase one new product that I do not like. (yes, we must have some smacking going on with the nice don't you know)

Now, of course, these are my personal opinions so the ones I like you may hate and the ones I'd never scrap with even if it were the last digital kit and earth and by doing so I'd become rich, famous, and magically buxom overnight, well...you may just adore them (but then you'd have really bad taste.)

Okie dokie, let's get this party started. Drum roll please.....
Today's award for the kit of the day is: Antiquity by Microferk
Now, I personally think this kit oozes with creativety and quality. I probably would not ever purchase this kit, simply because it really isn't my style, but I think this person's work is pretty outstanding. I know that I would never use that big gem or brooch or whatever that big red thing is, but it is still quality work nontheless.

Okay, now for today's this should never have been released award: Retro Mod Kit by Karenheckyeah

I should have warned you that clicking on the above link may temporarily blind you. Ugh, the colors. Gag, the clock. The super flourescent patterns and eye twister teasers, um, I mean the papers...

So, did you agree with my picks of the day? Let me know. Also, please do shoot me an email if you feel like it, I enjoy both hate and fan mail mwah! digiscrapsmack@gmail.com

WTF is up with this?

2007-08-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Why is everyone so head over heels, giddily drunk, and basically brainwashed into thinking this stuff is so amazing? I tried. I really, really, really tried to find something that just flabbergasted me and made me want to lick my laptop in anticipation and click my basket full until I couldn't click anymore, but alas, I found nothing. Please tell me I am missing something. Please tell me this person sells at another store, where, somewhere locked away, maybe with a hidden password or something, there are pages of lucsious products, just yearning to be purchased. Otherwise, I think some of you peeps need a good smacking! If you are telling me that people are going gaga over, let's see, these 9 products I see on that page, then I must really be losing it. I mean, yes, this stuff is okay, maybe I'll even stretch a bit and say it is nice but quite honestly, I was really bummed when I followed the hoopla over to her store and saw with my own eyes what all the damn hoopla was about.

Am I alone here?

If you want to see what I mean about all the fanfare, check out these two posts on two different sites. A waste of bandwidth, me thinks.

http://www.myscrapbookart.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=74412

Yeah, I'm a copier

2007-08-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

So this blog thingy over at digitaldisturbances got me thinking. There are some things you just can't say in the digital world; hell, there are some things you just can't say about anything anymore. But we all know there are things we think about and things we would say if only we could without having our clothes ripped and torn to shreds. So, without further ado, there is something that has been on my mind for awhile now. I really don't get it, but apparently a lot of digital scrappers do because people are still selling them-but are people really buying these things? To see what I'm talking about, go here. Yes, those are templates. Umm, come on people. Can't you just copy that on your own without actually buying it? Let's take the second template in that post as an example. She even has the pictures all numbered for you. There are fourteen. They go around the layout. There is a title and journaling in the middle. Big whoopty freakin deal. I could do that on my own without paying for it.

But, I'm all for free enterprise and all that jazz. So tell me. Why do you buy templates? Maybe you'll convert me.