GCU Forum - So...how exactly does this work?

David_133145

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So...how exactly does this work?
May 10^th, 2009, 4:41pm

I recieved the GCU Mother's Day blurb in my e-mail this morning.
There were three artist's cards shown. Two of the three were "Jami Lynn's Giggles & grins."
I clicked on the "more dards" which opened another GCU page with a few more cards, and in the first three were, once again, Jami Lynn's same two cards.

So how does this work? Who decides who gets front billing?

Now, no offense to Jami lynn or the person that created those cards, but I simply do not consider some text over photos as artwork. I bring this up only because there are supposedly "2,573 artists in GCU." And I have looked at each and every one of them, and there are some outstanding artists doing some fabulous original work.

So, how does this thing work?

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Kathy_135811 Gold Member artist Posts: 623	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #1 - May 10^th, 2009, 5:40pm I've wondered about that, too. I figured it was the "Most Popular" cards being shown, but, I'm not so sure, now. Kathy
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Liz_133634

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Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #2 - May 11^th, 2009, 5:31am

The GCU picks page is even more disconcerting. Out of 44 picked cards, several artists have multiple cards selected. Again, nothing towards the artists, the cards are all great, but the selection process seems a bit skewed. It's hard to image that from all the contributors here, it was that difficult to find cards from 44 unique stores.

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Delores_132508 Gold Member artist Posts: 978	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #3 - May 11^th, 2009, 5:42am Gee, David, as a person who does take "photographs and sticks some text on them" I do consider my work to be art. I also consider it to be original art. No, it's not drawn or painted with a brush or pen, but please recognize that what we photographers do is art.
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Pattiann_132699

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Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #4 - May 11^th, 2009, 6:02am

Quote from David_133145 on May 10^th, 2009, 4:41pm:

Now, no offense to Jami lynn or the person that created those cards, but I simply do not consider some text over photos as artwork.

It's unnecessary to insult another artist in order to ask a question. This isn't the first time you've done this. We get it; you're an "artiste" and don't have an appreciation for the work some of the rest of us do. So keep that opinion to yourself and ask what I consider to be a valuable question about process.

Pattiann

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Nilla_136687 Junior Member artist Posts: 66	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #5 - May 11^th, 2009, 6:07am David, are you related to Annie Duke?
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Peggy_137160 Gold Member artist Posts: 760	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #6 - May 11^th, 2009, 6:31am Delores, what does that make photographers like me that prefer to offer my image "as is" without text?
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Catherine_136771

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Posts: 290

Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #7 - May 11^th, 2009, 6:58am

I admit, as a photographer, I was a little rankled at first about the remark about photography not being art, but the featured cards reminder is an interesting topic. I assumed they were computer-selected by some profiling method. I didn't have many Mother's Day cards and I'm a profiling dunce, so I didn't expect to be featured on that valuable real estate. A relative who gets reminders asked me about the featured cards, saying that the cards seemed to be the same on each of the reminders she got. (She wouldn't have complained if they were all my cards, ha, ha) I just feel lucky to be here! This is one of the most fun things I do! Grin

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Peggy_137160 Gold Member artist Posts: 760	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #8 - May 11^th, 2009, 7:11am I must be thick skinned - the original comment didn't phase me, since I KNOW what goes into getting a decent doggie shot (I have all the outtakes to prove it).
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Pamela_135500

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Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #9 - May 11^th, 2009, 7:31am

David,
Whilst I have no problem with you bringing to attention the limited diversity of the advertising received this Mother's Day I have to take issue with your limited view of photography and photographers.

As an artist you well know the importance of the use of composition, color and light in a piece of 'artwork', elements that make one's painting truly convey a mood, or draw one's eye to the beauty of the subject.
And I think you do recognize that in photography the same elements are what differentiate between a 'snapshot' and a well executed photograph. Both artists and photographers are striving for the same end in this. It is unfair to suggest that a photographers work is not artwork, I have seen far less slapped up on canvas many times in the name of art. I am both an artist and photographer, amateur though I may be, I know what goes into both from my own experience.

We need to keep things in perspective, greeting cards are to convey a message, sometimes some simple text is enough with a pleasing backdrop that does not distract or diminish the message. That in itself takes a sense composition and skill.
I agree there are some exceptional artists and photographers at GCU, all of whom deserve the opportunity to seen, but above all everyone's work and effort deserves the respect of their fellow artists. You have every right to your opinion but sometimes you come off as mean spirited, I don't think you are. I think you probably just speak your mind but you need to try to deliver your messages with a wee bit more diplomacy.

Pamela

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Kathy_135811

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Posts: 623

Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #10 - May 11^th, 2009, 7:38am

Folks, I agree with what you all have said, however let's not let this get us distracted from the topic.

What also puzzles me about the Reminder is that there is such a limited selection. And, it does not have a link to look at ALL of the cards associated with that day. So, to a customer, it appears that the ONLY choices are the ones that they give you. If you don't like those, Too Bad, maybe you should buy one of the other products that are being touted, instead! At least that was the impression that I got. Maybe I'm wrong. I was going to go back and make sure, but my "Trash" has been "Emptied", so I can't check, but, I don't recall seeing anything that said something like, "Go to GreetingCardUniverse.com for other choices." I know I looked at the card part of the product advertisement pretty close, though. So, Mindy, Shaun, or anyone who knows the answer, how does a card get to be one of the "Suggested Cards"? What are the criteria? Are we not supposed to know? Huh

Kathy

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Pamela_135500 Gold Member artist Posts: 1945	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #11 - May 11^th, 2009, 8:00am Hi Kathy, It was still in my trash! I looked and I agree it does give the impression that there are three cards available! Here's the link for the reminder. http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/mybd/sugg.asp?eid=1861821 (OK this is the front page ) Pamela
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Kathy_135811 Gold Member artist Posts: 623	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #12 - May 11^th, 2009, 8:16am Thanks, Pamela. However that link takes me to where I can Manage my Reminders. Kathy
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Pamela_135500 Gold Member artist Posts: 1945	Re: So...how exactly does this work? Reply #13 - May 11^th, 2009, 8:46am Oh well I guess it was worth a try! Sorry Kathy and everyone else who is confused now! Pamela
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jami_136731

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Re: So...how exactly does this work?
Reply #14 - May 11^th, 2009, 10:51am

Okay, I am new here and I am the "Jami Lynn" that David was referring to in the original post. I was so excited that so many of those two specific Mother's Day cards sold from my store (prior to the email ever being sent with reminder) and now I am totally deflated. Being new here and seeing my cards on the top sellers list on GCU for 2 weeks is super exciting. I was so happy that so many people found those two cards worthy enough to buy for their wonderful Mom's on Mother's Day. In fact, I bought one for my own Mom. They seemed to be very popular with people from all over the United States and even sold one to someone in Croatia! Maybe they are simple and not masterpieces of unique art, but sometime simple sells!
David, I have only been with GCU for about 6 weeks and I have sold over 100 cards to date and I am super excited that people are buying my cards. I did not know that being part of GCU meant that you had to be a painter or graphic artist or anything other than a creative person who loves to create cards that bring a smile to others. I have all types of cards in my store, many of my cards are original photographs that I have taken (with no photography experience, just simple snapshots I took on vacations etc.). Others are just simple ideas or thoughts I have come up with.
Maybe you could be happy for this little newbie who is so thrilled to be part of GCU instead of throwing out remarks about my cards. This is such a wonderful place to share our ideas and I think we should try to lift each other up even if we don't think someones work as is good as our own. I wish you continued success on this site and I hope you find the answer you were looking for despite the remarks. Have a happy day! Jami

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