tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post6306471512056485328..comments2024-03-28T12:34:02.986+00:00Comments on Stamping Ground: Discussion point: Controversy or Sour Grapes...Julia Dunnithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02164574850662878118noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-64985812931375095112013-05-21T22:24:38.959+01:002013-05-21T22:24:38.959+01:00Julia, Great post! I could hear Kenny Rogers In t...Julia, Great post! I could hear Kenny Rogers In the back ground singing "ya gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them, when to walk away!" I have noticed companies will charge top dollar for stamps that are "B" grade and explain the problem as operator error. Stamping is supposed to be simple, ink up a stamp thowick it on the paper and there you have the image you couldn't possibly draw! companies lessen the grades of their rubber and polymers, shorten the processing time and then wonder why the images aren't stamping well. Crafting is supposed to be fun! I would have walked away from it too, If I have to spend more than twenty miniutes on an image to get it to look good, it is gone!! Have a great day!<br />Ginny MaxamGinny Maxamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02268623579157961536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-40389484922145572312013-05-21T16:40:20.229+01:002013-05-21T16:40:20.229+01:00Well thanks for the info Julia, I could never be a...Well thanks for the info Julia, I could never be a designer for any company too much stuff, LOL, I do find if I use an old mouse pad under my cardstock and stamp the image comes out way better, it acts like a gelli plate:O). Your cards are lovely anyway:)good luck with your stamping, and thanks for sharing...Dianne https://www.blogger.com/profile/04719124445447564433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-33367223745918748872013-05-21T06:32:14.931+01:002013-05-21T06:32:14.931+01:00Not sour grapes but honest. A poor product should ...Not sour grapes but honest. A poor product should not be placed to market (dont get me started on my 4 month fiasco with a certain gentlemans alphabet die that doesn't work!). Shame they didn't take the opportunity to talk to you about improvements.....their loss.<br /><br />Kyla Kylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13956374094795317880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-20139625610020272972013-05-20T21:11:12.842+01:002013-05-20T21:11:12.842+01:00Stand by your convictions and fooey to those who f...Stand by your convictions and fooey to those who feel you should do otherwise. I'm with you over lousy quality of stamps and it took an off hand comment by a friend to make me see the light. I was getting stamp kits from an internet company that sells multiple brands. The kits had this and that from different companies. Then they started making their own brand of stamps to include in the kits and frankly the quality just was not there. <br /><br />Like you, I tried multiple things, wasted lots of paper, and got frustrated. I was bemoaning this to a friend and she said, "After using quality products for so long it is hard to use those that aren't." That was the ah-ha moment. It wasn't me, it was them, their product was blah. I immediately cancelled my monthly kit and feel so much happier about it.<br /><br />The company did not seem to care why I was cancelling and said that no one else complained. They have a solid reputation for what they do, like you, I'm surprised they aren't concerned what this latest venture will do to their rep. I'll still use the company to purchase all those other brands they sell, with their name on it.Princess Judy Palmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14870980058627037243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-60130370171015656102013-05-20T16:24:04.952+01:002013-05-20T16:24:04.952+01:00I made a bunch of poorly stamped Christmas cards t...I made a bunch of poorly stamped Christmas cards two years ago with one of those fine line stamps. When I asked on my blog what my problem was, several people told me to sand the rubber a bit, so I did. NO help there. I never got a good image, which sounds like the same problem you had. Now I don't feel so bad! And it was one of those expensive big name stamps, too.<br /><br />As for DTs, I was on UHU's DT for about a year. We were supposed to make something every two weeks, which wasn't a problem for me, but I found several of the DT didn't hold up their end of the bargain. We got no guidance, help, or anything. If we ran out of glue (and I did more often than some of the DT members because my mixed media art was more glue intensive), we had to buy our own glue. The company changed hands and never once let any of us know. For nearly a year, my name and photo were still on the site, even though I hadn't designed for them in all that time. <br /><br />So, my dear, you are lucky you weren't chosen. It takes all the fun out of creating. No sour grapes, either. Just honesty.Bleubeard and Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10149710375520733752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-29206896599973576192013-05-20T07:40:03.638+01:002013-05-20T07:40:03.638+01:00Hi Julia, I dont hear sour grapes either, I just h...Hi Julia, I dont hear sour grapes either, I just hear frustration. There is nothing worse that bad quality stamps well done for speaking out. Love the cute bee card. Hugs Mo x Almohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10494404219607769934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-44161629242068638722013-05-19T18:31:01.448+01:002013-05-19T18:31:01.448+01:00I could not agree more. If the stamps are not up ...I could not agree more. If the stamps are not up to scratch, then the company should be willing and keen to hear constructive criticism. If they are not, then they are not the ones to work for. My DT work at the moment is online for a themed blog, and they have been very understanding and taken up the slack while I sort my life out again. I can use my own stamps (good ones) or produce my own designs, which is fun. We do crafting for enjoyment not for hassle. I had a problem with on silhouette stamp and asked for help, which came almost instantly from the company and from others who use the stamps. Go for things you enjoy. Life is too short to add unnecessary stress. xx MaggieMaggieC (Silvercrafter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/13560733295194874288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-40002713277618468622013-05-19T15:29:11.809+01:002013-05-19T15:29:11.809+01:00Hi Julia, I have to agree with the other commenter...Hi Julia, I have to agree with the other commenters- not sour grapes, just the facts. What really amazes me though, is that they obviously had not tried the stamps out when they first got the pressings. Why ever not?<br /> Surely, if something is going to be carrying your name, you want that name to be boosted by your product, not killed stone dead!<br />There is no such thing as being too picky about quality either- especially with rubber stamps. You are either going to get a good image that you can use, oryou aren't. If I'm paying good money for something, or effectively endorsing the product by using it on a DT, then I too would expect high quality. Way to go, Julia. Hugs, Shaz xxshazsilverwolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16274746581731544287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-84497681273955241032013-05-19T13:38:45.310+01:002013-05-19T13:38:45.310+01:00Being on a DT can be fun, but it's a lot of wo...Being on a DT can be fun, but it's a lot of work and stress. Stamping for me has to be fun, or I don't want to do it!!! Life is too short!Queenie Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13372885558434883470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-81329595810343663422013-05-18T15:32:40.390+01:002013-05-18T15:32:40.390+01:00Just here to add my ten cents. Some stamps just ar...Just here to add my ten cents. Some stamps just aren't art quality, even when they're supposed to be. I don't think this is sour grapes at all, rather an honest response to something that hasn't worked. <br /><br />Alas, all stampers have experienced stamps like this. All you can do is put it away and ignore it!KatzElbowshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04952576154894241013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-64964502991217443212013-05-18T07:48:38.971+01:002013-05-18T07:48:38.971+01:00Am not on any design teams so my unbiased view is ...Am not on any design teams so my unbiased view is simple. A poor quality stamp produces a poor image and experience for the artist. If we don't accept poor quality or service in other aspects of our lives then why should we waste our time or money on inferior crafting stash. Simples!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06289281299449431331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-36604323228757454482013-05-18T03:46:10.131+01:002013-05-18T03:46:10.131+01:00Touche, I am with you, the quality is very importa...Touche, I am with you, the quality is very important with the product, for you then to produce a beautiful and acceptable piece of artwork. If the faults are there and you have problems with them then what is the customer going to think when they purchase the product and make mistakes. What about the amateur, imagine how they will feel with this product failing all the time, they will think that they are not a good stamper and get defeated. <br /><br />When trying to push products you really have to be careful of the customer, because ultimately they are the ones that will keep the sales happening, word of mouth says a lot in the small cyber world we live in. Hey my hat goes off to you for the hours of dedication that you have placed into an effort to get a DT placement. I don't understand how people can chase these positions as they chew up so much time and energy for little in return. I have had DT placements in the past and really they are not what they are cracked up to be, you are continually chasing the clock, for so little.<br /><br />Like me you have a lot on your plate so to speak, everything has probably worked out for the best.<br /><br />Happy crafting with YOUR stash.<br /><br />Hugs ElizaElizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06921884729737495356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-27289493525467818792013-05-18T00:24:52.834+01:002013-05-18T00:24:52.834+01:00Def not sour grapes... Julia - if you dont give ho...Def not sour grapes... Julia - if you dont give honest opinion then what sthe point!! The bug images are cute - I would never buy that sort of golf type stamp - but I know people that would and what heartache if it arrived and they had the same problem... I have also had the unfortunate event when I got my first doily stamp on-line from USA and no matter what I do I cannot get a complete image - it is relegated to borders only so not a complete loss but it does upset as its hard earned money spent to keep our creativity flowing... I couldnt consider a DT - too much pressure... Mxxroffeycreationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17737194963054601429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-63529453397836998482013-05-17T22:03:57.817+01:002013-05-17T22:03:57.817+01:00Well done Julia for speaking out! I too, have pur...Well done Julia for speaking out! I too, have purchased some stamps recently and had a hard job getting them replaced (but did in the end). I have also joined my first DT and have just done my first post on it - I am quite happy to be on the team because the owner is not affiliated to a shop or a brand and we all use our own stamps/stash. I think that takes a lot of pressure off (for me anyway!). I love the bee card BTW. Hugs, Anne xRedannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00927442847627008591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-33856235727967793912013-05-17T21:43:05.897+01:002013-05-17T21:43:05.897+01:00Nothing sour about it! And, as a DT member, (or po...Nothing sour about it! And, as a DT member, (or potential) they should listen to your critique of the quality before they go into full production! There are two companies I won't buy from because of 2 instances you had...just not worth the time, money or frustration to buy and "see" if it will be ok.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05025260681578763572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-3578005926457057022013-05-17T21:12:04.523+01:002013-05-17T21:12:04.523+01:00I'm not on, nor plan to be on a DT. I'm n...I'm not on, nor plan to be on a DT. I'm not even a stamper as such - just a few stamps, mostly sentiments. If I were in the market for stamps, these would not appeal to me even if they stamped perfectly. It is great of you to make us aware, especially so we don't think it's "us" who can't stamp.Bobbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05545534565564730223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-52801345798861555412013-05-17T21:02:15.310+01:002013-05-17T21:02:15.310+01:00Sour grapes ... I don't thinks so. You were as...Sour grapes ... I don't thinks so. You were asked to try out the stamps which, to me, invites feedback - if they can't take it, that's their lookout. You gave that first stamp a fair crack of the whip and it failed, miserably, and for the reasons you write about. There is nothing more disappointing than falling for a stamp just to find it doesn't live up to expectation ... I have one or two like that and having read your post I wish I had complained about them. As for DTs, I've chosen to give up all DT work ... it was taking the fun out of it for me - I just don't need the pressure for very little recompense and I much prefer to do my own thing with whatever supplies I like :) Hugs, Elizabeth xx<br />PS: would love to be a fly, or should that be a bee, on the wall when they read your post :))Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05762785911026167332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-62870115820598179662013-05-17T20:05:41.734+01:002013-05-17T20:05:41.734+01:00Nope, no sour grapes (you'd have named the com...Nope, no sour grapes (you'd have named the company if that was the case) Just an honest opinion.<br /><br />The DT I worked on was amazingly good with me as I had a lot going on personally at the time and they were so good with me but I have heard some real horror stories when, lets face it, you are spending many hours bigging up a company for a few freebies (which technically aren't free) if it's not for you, it's not for you. It wasn't for me in the end. I'm rubbish at deadlines and just found in the end I was making stuff for the DT and not doing what I wanted to do with the little crafty time I have.Carmen https://www.blogger.com/profile/07968725221313800020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-18252246204121187372013-05-17T19:44:32.224+01:002013-05-17T19:44:32.224+01:00If a product doesn't do the job it's desig...If a product doesn't do the job it's designed for then that is a serious flaw with the company's policies. You don't need the stress!Jo Murrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09025838373008865611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-47325044062306194092013-05-17T18:52:40.624+01:002013-05-17T18:52:40.624+01:00Sour grapes, no way!!! I agree with you. I used ...Sour grapes, no way!!! I agree with you. I used to think it was me with some stamps as I know I have dexterity issues sometimes, but I use the same hands with other stamps and they come out fine, absolutely brilliant some of them!!! I can see how people might give up on what is a good hobby and in my case, makes money for charity, so it's a real shame. You are always honest and we value your comments and opinions on craft items. When steam comes out of your ears, make a cuppa! Keep smiling! Karen xKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10473599700513109486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-78922759925976201752013-05-17T17:47:15.236+01:002013-05-17T17:47:15.236+01:00I withdrew from a well compensated DT with a reall...I withdrew from a well compensated DT with a really good company with fabulous stamps because I found the products just didn't inspire me to do anything different, I was producing the same old same old. Life's too short! I now do one DT for fun, once a month......mind you I am holding out for the one DT I'd kill to be on, for my favourite stamp line- I was a guest DT one month, and they sent so much fabulous rubber!!! Good for you girl :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11505669225991509087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-32631655980165532112013-05-17T17:16:34.418+01:002013-05-17T17:16:34.418+01:00Interesting topic. I applaud your honesty. I have ...Interesting topic. I applaud your honesty. I have purchase 'expensive' faulty product too many times. I once lost a job because I was asked for an honest opinion that management did not want to hear. {I can adimit now I was bitter about that, but relieved as well not have to kiss up any longer} Thank You for speaking the truth. I have only been on one DT that actually pay's what its worth in 'free' product. DT's NEVER get paid for their time. Unfortunate as there are so many fantastic DT's out there. At any rate, keep smiling and creating, your way, and on your time.<br />fairyrockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03955508856112972006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-91056302299310034272013-05-17T16:35:16.180+01:002013-05-17T16:35:16.180+01:00think you had a lucky escape there, imagine having... think you had a lucky escape there, imagine having to cope with that on a regular basis. I keep my DT stuff to a minimum and luckily we get the opportunity to choose what we would like to use. I know people who don't know what they are going to be sent and have a nightmare and all kinds of stress trying to work out how to use it when they don't like the stuff! <br />DebxxDebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03190084134993689980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-47251111293053546512013-05-17T14:13:56.423+01:002013-05-17T14:13:56.423+01:00Hi Julia,
Well Hon, I have a stamp on my desk righ...Hi Julia,<br />Well Hon, I have a stamp on my desk right now that I am having the same problem with, and it is a leading stamp company. I have been tossing about the idea to e-mail them, but they will just tell me to take it back to the store I bought it at. Problem is I went every direction to get it to print, including taking it off the wood......sooooo I am between a rock and a crummpy stamp!!Krishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573573810959229149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218645565952627143.post-21197732241552356232013-05-17T14:05:34.058+01:002013-05-17T14:05:34.058+01:00I'm a bit new to all this to make an intellige...I'm a bit new to all this to make an intelligent comment, except that this clearly isn't sour grapes on your part. I just want to say that first stamp looked dull and boring and even if it had printed OK, I'm not sure it's that adaptable;as a customer I would never choose an image like that. It seems like you so did the right thing bowing out, just a pity you wasted the energy you did on it. xJulie Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07113706312817154503noreply@blogger.com