|
|
Post by DinCA on Sept 2, 2015 2:56:03 GMT
^^ Yup, talking about Jacqui/Baby Boy Bakery. I was disgusted by that. If this collaboration is remotely perceived to be capitalizing on the loss of their son, there will be a fallout like no other. Her quarter of a million followers will revolt faster than you can blink. I can't count the number of times I have seen this happen: Someone is lifted up, only to be torn down. And it's usually a media worthy crash and burn. The only way this works is if every penny is being donated to charity. I hope for this girl's sake that she figures this out before it's too late. |
|
|
|
Post by DinCA on Sept 2, 2015 3:08:31 GMT
Settle in, pop some popcorn, pour some wine... (not really, it's not THAT long  ) Way back in early 2014, a little boy was tragically killed, and his mother Jacqui happened to be a blogger. You probably heard of it, because the hashtag (that the grief vultures, not the parents) started was everywhere, redballoonsforryan. His mother got a ton of media exposure, teeshirts were made with his face all over them, petitions were sent to the Ellen show to feature his mom and share his story (I believe she did come on the show), and six figures were donated to the family via gofundme. It raised some eyebrows, because A) his poor parents were sort of pushed into the spotlight during a time when they should have been able to grieve privately, and because B) it's not like the money raised went to his medical bills or something...the parents presumably pocketed like 100k and never addressed the donations. Plus, people were running all over the internet with the hashtag. Etsy sellers were making red balloon paraphernalia, dolls were made in his image, that kind of thing. The hashtag has over 45,000 pictures on Instagram alone, and his mom's account went from a couple thousand followers to 280,000. His parents were going on lavish trips and selfie-ing all the way. I don't judge the way they grieved, and that little boy was SO loved and lost very, very tragically, but it made me and many other people a little uneasy...it was still like cashing in on a little boy's death. But, whatever, life moves on. Enter Studio Calico. They announced a partnership just recently with Jacqui to create a product line. This seemed a little weird because Jacqui had no connection to the paper crafting world or especially SC. Strange, but again, whatever. But what clearly made it look like a grab for new customers and new material was that SC didn't seem to know what to do either. There was a survey up asking for feedback about what exactly people would want from this collaboration. Like....what?! So you're a company observing this phenomenon happening, decide you want in, and then not really have a game plan!? It seemed like a ploy for her fans. I suppose you could say the connection is preserving memory, sort of like how Heidi Swapp is moving forward after her son's death (and Heidi's blog post was beautiful). But really, that's sort of a stretch. It's more likely, given what SC does, that they saw $$$$$$$ with Jacqui and decided to cash in on her ginormous following despite her having nothing to do with that "world." It seems very disingenuous. Yes... I wrote and rewrote a similar response but mine felt snarky and callous. Yours is very good. I was also uncomfortable with the aftermath of the hashtag/fundraising/trips issue. And the SC collab is just disgusting. The difference between this and Heidi Swapp is that Heidi is already IN the memory keeping business and has been doing this for decades and is basically just keeping up her company while honoring her son. The BBB/SC collab feels like a money grab preying on the emotions of people. And the other glaring difference is that Heidi had to return to her job, a job that may possibly be their family's main source of income. Most of the work she is doing now was set in motion six months ago. She has allowed her media team to handle everything she could let go of while concentrating on the things that require her participation. And, also, in doing so, she has found ways to honor Cory every step of the way. There isn't a manual on how to behave after a loss this devastating, but Heidi has handled it all perfectly, in my opinion. She still has four children to care for, and a job that requires her attention 24/7, and I have nothing but admiration for the strength she has shown. |
|
|
|
Post by abr79 on Sept 2, 2015 6:38:14 GMT
Yes... I wrote and rewrote a similar response but mine felt snarky and callous. Yours is very good. I was also uncomfortable with the aftermath of the hashtag/fundraising/trips issue. And the SC collab is just disgusting. The difference between this and Heidi Swapp is that Heidi is already IN the memory keeping business and has been doing this for decades and is basically just keeping up her company while honoring her son. The BBB/SC collab feels like a money grab preying on the emotions of people. And the other glaring difference is that Heidi had to return to her job, a job that may possibly be their family's main source of income. Most of the work she is doing now was set in motion six months ago. She has allowed her media team to handle everything she could let go of while concentrating on the things that require her participation. And, also, in doing so, she has found ways to honor Cory every step of the way. There isn't a manual on how to behave after a loss this devastating, but Heidi has handled it all perfectly, in my opinion. She still has four children to care for, and a job that requires her attention 24/7, and I have nothing but admiration for the strength she has shown. 100% right there with you. Heidi is a class act. |
|
|
|
Post by macaddict on Sept 2, 2015 10:16:43 GMT
I am proud to say that this is the first month ever that I have bought nothing at release. Yay! I did feel out of the loop because I had to wait until 3. I may see something at last call but this feels good!
|
|
|
|
Post by icequeen on Sept 2, 2015 11:21:48 GMT
That I Lowe scrap paper on the far left, the gray one, I got so sick of seeing that paper in every SC kit! And on PL cards and everywhere! It was like their go-to pattern when they didn't have any other ideas! Oh. My. Word. Those are blatantly close. |
|
|
|
Post by STBC on Sept 2, 2015 12:43:47 GMT
Mom...I know what you are referring to (when she did that cactus layout and didn't credit the artist she copied) but quite honestly ...is anyone in the scrap booking world unique anymore? Yes she should credited that artist (and shame on her for not)....but literally I think all page designs are based off of someone else......For the last 6 months I have driven past a house that has a pink plastic flamingo on its lawn that is an exact copy of the one that's been in SC kits this year... We are all thieves to some degree. Its just whether we have the integrity to admit it or not. My dad for instance thinks that I am talented but I tell him ...Dad I scrap lifted this off someone else. I have personally found that most of SC courses and a good chunk of BPC courses are just demos for "....how I make a pretty page...." and they teach you very little......even Celine Navarro who I love.....she messes with some paint/water/gesso/neo colors/ink and then adds on a speeded up video..... her embellishments..... and really it's the placement of those embellishments and the quality of her photos, that make her pages........so I find myself less and less inclined to take classes in general...cos they don't teach me much. I see what you are saying - but I respectfully disagree. Her 'painting' was exactly the same. It wasn't inspired by...it was copied. And being on a DT and turning in someone else's work - for public consumption - is wrong. She didn't make the page and then just stick it in her album. She posted it online as her own as part of a Design Team gallery. I googled and can't find the images but it wasn't just an 'inspired by' accident. It was literally the same painting. Like i said - I can respect that you disagree.  Google "Anna Maria scrapbooking cactus" and it will come up in the search. Actually, the original thread from this list will come up ...
The two pieces were exactly the same.
|
|
|
|
Post by stahija on Sept 2, 2015 15:08:49 GMT
Just curious as to if anyone who has posted on here won anything during the "Brimfield Subscribers Giveaway Extravaganza"? With roughly 400 entries and 50 giveaways, the odds would be that someone from here won something.
|
|
|
|
Post by abr79 on Sept 2, 2015 15:18:19 GMT
Just curious as to if anyone who has posted on here won anything during the "Brimfield Subscribers Giveaway Extravaganza"? With roughly 400 entries and 50 giveaways, the odds would be that someone from here won something. Have they announced winners yet? I didn't enter since I'm not a subscriber but I saw that aggiebonfire00 commented (hoping that one of the giveaways was cardstock....   ). |
|
|
|
Post by stahija on Sept 2, 2015 15:25:36 GMT
Just curious as to if anyone who has posted on here won anything during the "Brimfield Subscribers Giveaway Extravaganza"? With roughly 400 entries and 50 giveaways, the odds would be that someone from here won something. Have they announced winners yet? I didn't enter since I'm not a subscriber but I saw that aggiebonfire00 commented (hoping that one of the giveaways was cardstock.... ). Yes, the winners are listed in the original post. I took a quick glance at the winners and didn't recognize any names from here. That got my conspiracy theory mind working (clearly I don't have enough going on at work this week). |
|
|
|
Post by mom on Sept 2, 2015 15:26:47 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by stahija on Sept 2, 2015 15:26:53 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Skellinton on Sept 2, 2015 15:56:52 GMT
Hmmm, I notice a lot of names on there that are pretty rah rah SC types, don't see any that ever question them.
|
|
|
|
Post by STBC on Sept 2, 2015 15:57:56 GMT
A lot of current kits on that giveaway list. What does that tell you?
|
|
|
|
Post by stahija on Sept 2, 2015 15:59:22 GMT
Hmmm, I notice a lot of names on there that are pretty rah rah SC types, don't see any that ever question them. That's what I thought. |
|
|
|
Post by abr79 on Sept 2, 2015 16:01:52 GMT
Hmmm, I notice a lot of names on there that are pretty rah rah SC types, don't see any that ever question them. My first thought as well. |
|
|
|
Post by frenchie on Sept 2, 2015 16:11:51 GMT
I'm sure they hand picked the names.
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Sept 2, 2015 17:51:11 GMT
someone should ask how they came to pick the winners.
|
|
scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
Posts: 4,063 
|
Post by scrappyesq on Sept 2, 2015 18:09:59 GMT
what is the story with the baby boy bakery? i am like the little kid who can't keep up but i had never heard of this until it came up on this post. don't know anything about this story. Settle in, pop some popcorn, pour some wine... (not really, it's not THAT long ) Way back in early 2014, a little boy was tragically killed, and his mother Jacqui happened to be a blogger. You probably heard of it, because the hashtag (that the grief vultures, not the parents) started was everywhere, redballoonsforryan. His mother got a ton of media exposure, teeshirts were made with his face all over them, petitions were sent to the Ellen show to feature his mom and share his story (I believe she did come on the show), and six figures were donated to the family via gofundme. It raised some eyebrows, because A) his poor parents were sort of pushed into the spotlight during a time when they should have been able to grieve privately, and because B) it's not like the money raised went to his medical bills or something...the parents presumably pocketed like 100k and never addressed the donations. Plus, people were running all over the internet with the hashtag. Etsy sellers were making red balloon paraphernalia, dolls were made in his image, that kind of thing. The hashtag has over 45,000 pictures on Instagram alone, and his mom's account went from a couple thousand followers to 280,000. His parents were going on lavish trips and selfie-ing all the way. I don't judge the way they grieved, and that little boy was SO loved and lost very, very tragically, but it made me and many other people a little uneasy...it was still like cashing in on a little boy's death. But, whatever, life moves on. Enter Studio Calico. They announced a partnership just recently with Jacqui to create a product line. This seemed a little weird because Jacqui had no connection to the paper crafting world or especially SC. Strange, but again, whatever. But what clearly made it look like a grab for new customers and new material was that SC didn't seem to know what to do either. There was a survey up asking for feedback about what exactly people would want from this collaboration. Like....what?! So you're a company observing this phenomenon happening, decide you want in, and then not really have a game plan!? It seemed like a ploy for her fans. I suppose you could say the connection is preserving memory, sort of like how Heidi Swapp is moving forward after her son's death (and Heidi's blog post was beautiful). But really, that's sort of a stretch. It's more likely, given what SC does, that they saw $$$$$$$ with Jacqui and decided to cash in on her ginormous following despite her having nothing to do with that "world." It seems very disingenuous.
Blech. Just Blech.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 21:20:01 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2015 18:36:07 GMT
I get a different vibe abut how the BBB and SC partnership is playing out. Here is Jacqui's blog: www.babyboybakery.com/ She has been very open and has shared heartfelt emotions about her grieving process. Here she is on Ellen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH3pnH70vTs She seems like a very sweet, lovely lady. I think SC, aka April, is the vulture swooping in on her at her most vulnerable time. I just want to yell at her, "RUN AWAY!". But hopefully this merge will be advantageous to her and her family. She deserves a bit of happiness in her life. |
|
lcp88
Junior Member
PeaNut Number: 524269 :)
Posts: 99
|
Post by lcp88 on Sept 2, 2015 19:09:50 GMT
I think SC, aka April, is the vulture swooping in on her at her most vulnerable time. I just want to yell at her, "RUN AWAY!". But hopefully this merge will be advantageous to her and her family. She deserves a bit of happiness in her life. Right, that's my point. SC sees the potential for a huge influx of customers (Jacqui's followers, who hang on her every word/post) and cash, this capitalizing on grief and heartbreak (and a taboo subject). It's icky. Jacqui by her own admission is just going with the flow, so I hope SC treads carfefully. Can you imagine if there is a production issue with something co-braded as BBB or Red Balloons for Ryan? People will be out with pitchforks at Jacqui's expense. |
|
|
|
Post by abr79 on Sept 2, 2015 21:40:57 GMT
Wow. Another subscriber giveaway...a free 12 mo sub if you purchase select items during bundling. They must be finally feeling some subscriber loss and are trying to figure out how to retain what they still have. It might work on some people but I bet they'll still lose a bunch come December. No one wants to pay more for less and no one wants to commit to crazy terms.
|
|
|
|
Post by mdith4him on Sept 2, 2015 22:22:30 GMT
It will be very interesting to see what happens to SC over the next year or so. I have to believe their business will take a hit of some sort by the end of this year, but I can't see them going out of business. I think they have too many subbers for that. They partner with so many other people now (Ali, Big Picture, Beautiful Mess...), those businesses would suffer, too, if SC went under.
|
|
|
|
Post by macaddict on Sept 2, 2015 22:43:04 GMT
Wow. Another subscriber giveaway...a free 12 mo sub if you purchase select items during bundling. They must be finally feeling some subscriber loss and are trying to figure out how to retain what they still have. It might work on some people but I bet they'll still lose a bunch come December. No one wants to pay more for less and no one wants to commit to crazy terms. That was my plan but then they went and changed my kit contents so after some going back and forth they let me cancel without a penalty. It's just doesn't have the same appeal to me now. Customer service is important to me and I must say the thrill is gone. |
|
|
|
Post by epeanymous on Sept 3, 2015 2:28:04 GMT
Wow. Another subscriber giveaway...a free 12 mo sub if you purchase select items during bundling. They must be finally feeling some subscriber loss and are trying to figure out how to retain what they still have. It might work on some people but I bet they'll still lose a bunch come December. No one wants to pay more for less and no one wants to commit to crazy terms. Yes. I have been a PL subber from the first kit, which I subscribed to sight unseen (I was a SB subber but dropped my SB sub a few years ago). I am not under any commitment now but am likely to sub through December. I will not be re upping in January under the terms they have for a very simple reason: I no longer trust the company. I am not committing to six or twelve months of kits when the company changes kit contents, policies, the nature of subscriptions, and prices. I am sure I am not the only person in my position. I'm guessing the bottom is going to drop out that month. |
|
|
|
Post by icequeen on Sept 3, 2015 2:40:26 GMT
Yes. I have been a PL subber from the first kit, which I subscribed to sight unseen (I was a SB subber but dropped my SB sub a few years ago). I am not under any commitment now but am likely to sub through December. I will not be re upping in January under the terms they have for a very simple reason: I no longer trust the company. I am not committing to six or twelve months of kits when the company changes kit contents, policies, the nature of subscriptions, and prices. I am sure I am not the only person in my position. I'm guessing the bottom is going to drop out that month. I could've written most of this myself. I have completely lost faith in what my PL kit will include each month. This month's reduction in card stock in the SB kit without any notice was the last straw. What sort of business thinks it's okay to reduce quantities by 50% and not inform subscribers? I still love most of their products and can't say I'll never shop there again. However, I most definitely will not commit to 6 or 12 months of kits knowing that the box could be half-empty any given month. I can only imagine the volume of subber deals that will be sent out in January under the guise of a New Year Sale they had *always* planned on having because they're just so thoughtful.  Too bad their server can't seem to get it together and send them to all registered community members. LOL |
|
lizacreates
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,862
|
Post by lizacreates on Sept 3, 2015 4:09:20 GMT
I’ve been getting new subscriber promos practically every week. If I were still a customer I honestly wouldn’t care if they have promos everyday to attract new subscribers. At the end of the day those new people will be bound to the same terms as everyone else when the honeymoon is over.
However, it antagonizes long-term customers because it’s coming at the heels of being told that in January they would pay 50% of their remaining annual commitment should they cancel early. For scrapbooking stuff? Not surprised there’s been such a push-back on that issue alone. I looked at several kit clubs and penalties range from $0-$25 with no math skills required.
I’ve got to hand it to them--that’s potentially a lot of money to be made for zero effort. If someone cancels prematurely SC gets 50% of kit price + 50% of shipping multiplied by how many more months are left in the commitment WITHOUT mailing a thing. If you don’t want to commit and go month-to-month, that’s good for them, too, because you’re paying a higher price. Usually, a commitment assumes equity for both parties, but in the SC universe I guess In Greed We Trust.
Of course, the presumption is that you don’t sign up if you can’t sustain a year. If you commit and serious life happens and you’re faced with a calamity or job loss, what then? I think SC wouldn’t know reasonable if it sprouted a hand and waved hello at them.
|
|
AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
|
Post by AmandaA on Sept 3, 2015 7:22:23 GMT
Well they have already done it....SC screwed up the DD presale/reveal. I just happen to be up at 3am Eastern time with the baby and see a post over on the SC boards... DD presale is up! It would have been around midnight eastern when the post was made. Ali replied and confirmed that it went up by mistake and shouldn't have. Page was being taken down and would come back at the correct time... A nice little surprise for internationals who found it during their daytime hours though! Anyone here see it?!
|
|
|
|
Post by vsimone on Sept 3, 2015 7:29:38 GMT
I’ve been getting new subscriber promos practically every week. If I were still a customer I honestly wouldn’t care if they have promos everyday to attract new subscribers. At the end of the day those new people will be bound to the same terms as everyone else when the honeymoon is over. However, it antagonizes long-term customers because it’s coming at the heels of being told that in January they would pay 50% of their remaining annual commitment should they cancel early. For scrapbooking stuff? Not surprised there’s been such a push-back on that issue alone. I looked at several kit clubs and penalties range from $0-$25 with no math skills required. I’ve got to hand it to them--that’s potentially a lot of money to be made for zero effort. If someone cancels prematurely SC gets 50% of kit price + 50% of shipping multiplied by how many more months are left in the commitment WITHOUT mailing a thing. If you don’t want to commit and go month-to-month, that’s good for them, too, because you’re paying a higher price. Usually, a commitment assumes equity for both parties, but in the SC universe I guess In Greed We Trust. Of course, the presumption is that you don’t sign up if you can’t sustain a year. If you commit and serious life happens and you’re faced with a calamity or job loss, what then? I think SC wouldn’t know reasonable if it sprouted a hand and waved hello at them. How nice that you are still getting emails. I haven't had one for weeks and so far have resisted making any enquires about the reason why. Everytime I read a new post about the 50% cancellation fee I can't help feeling that if a company is going down that path, they should be prepared to send you 50% of the remaining kits in your subscription. |
|
parky
Shy Member
Posts: 16
|
Post by parky on Sept 3, 2015 8:17:58 GMT
Ok I think I have a case of kit envy... I can't believe how much is in the Citrus Twist kit this month compared to our friends at SC. So wishing I had switched before now. You can't tell me that any serious company does not benchmark themselves against the competition and see they are way off the mark. Smacks of big time arrogance if you ask me. Can't recall ever seeing so many unsold add on's - gosh Black Friday might be a biggy this year, plenty of product for it! Does anyone recall if the other kit clubs have Black Friday sales? Being international thinking good to have one big stock up and start over next year with one decent club with not such a long commitment.
|
|
|
|
Post by icequeen on Sept 3, 2015 10:03:13 GMT
Ok I think I have a case of kit envy... I can't believe how much is in the Citrus Twist kit this month compared to our friends at SC. So wishing I had switched before now. You can't tell me that any serious company does not benchmark themselves against the competition and see they are way off the mark. Smacks of big time arrogance if you ask me. Can't recall ever seeing so many unsold add on's - gosh Black Friday might be a biggy this year, plenty of product for it! Does anyone recall if the other kit clubs have Black Friday sales? Being international thinking good to have one big stock up and start over next year with one decent club with not such a long commitment. Good to know about the Citrus Twist kits. I'm starting a three month sub of their PL kit. Admittedly, some of their stuff isn't my style (I did a 3 month when they first started) but thought I'd give it another go around. Knowing their kits are jam packed I'm sure what I do use will be worth the money. Even with shipping, it's less than my SC sub. |
|
)
). 
Too bad their server can't seem to get it together and send them to all registered community members. LOL
