I just got a card returned for editing and resubmitting. I stupidly forgot to put an apostrophy where it should have one. I don't have a problem with that. What I do have a question about is why i was told to remove certain key words as not being apropriate when just two days ago i had a card approved with the same key word used for the sames reasons.
 
the card in question has a lace border along the bottom with ribbon threaded through it. the reviewer says to change lace in my key words to lace-look, and ribbon to ribbon look. The reviewer has said that using word like that will give the shopper a false idea of what the card looks like.
 
what I want to know is why is one reviewer asking for these changes when others don't. I have other cards with these keyword describing these elements in a card and have had them approved as they are.
 
I am not trying to be a pain in the ass, I just don't undeerstand why the inconsistancy us all. why will one reviewer refuse a card with these keywords when others have not. I have a number of cards with lace and ribbon on them and have used those keywords and never before been told to remove them or alter them.
 
I know I wouldn't personally be using a key word "lace look" to find a card with lace on it, I would use the word lace.
 
Any insights anyone?  
 

Hi Selina,
I'm afraid I can't answer your question about the reviewing process.  It sometimes has me baffled too, though 99% of the time, they are a huge help.
But your post caused me to click on your shop and take a look at your cards.  Very, very nice.  Your 'Merry Christmas Sleigh with Reindeer' is especially lovely.  

Quote from Bits_139043 on Jan 21^st, 2011, 1:07pm:

 
 
My point exactly! as I said, I would not use the words "lace-look" or "ribbon-look" when searching for a card.
I have recently had 2 valentine's day cards approved, both with lace and ribbon on them, both using lace and ribbon as key words and both approved. I just don't understand and I am guessing if I resubmitt the card without making these changes it will be rejected again.  
 
@ Sue, thank you for you kind remarks about my cards, I appreciate that.  

looking into this for you, give me a few moments please.
 
Please see this thread which should make this topic crystal-like clear:  
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/forum/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1276722848/
 
Doreen hit the nail on the head, a few times!   Thank you  .
 
Card reviewers do sometimes miss a detail or two, particularly when they are focused on other more glaring issues like category choice or punctuation or working on their 500th card of the morning.  We do strive to be consistent but also appreciate your understanding when it happens and your willingness to work with us.  
 
Correct, your card with "lace like" will still result in searches for "lace".
 
And as noted in the above referenced thread:
A more detailed description for the shopper in the Artist's Notes would be an ideal solution.  
 
For example:
This cheery yellow design includes a floral design as well as antique style ribbon & lace look.  
 
Lastly these would be good terms to use in your card titles to better describe your cards so:
To my Mom on Mothers Day
to
To my Mom on Mother's Day Yellow Antique Ribbon & Lace Look
 
Colors are important in both keywords and card titles, descriptive terms in both are very important to help shoppers find exactly what they are looking for and to differentiate your card from another (image how many To my Mom on Mother's Day cards we likely have  ).  
 
These changes will best serve your card, the shopper, GCU and you!
 
Hope that is helpful, let us know if you have any other questions.

Quote from Selina_136051 on Jan 21^st, 2011, 3:42pm:

 
Yup, you've got it "button like" "button look" "digital button" "faux button" ... whatever wording you can use to share that it is not a real button.  Bows, grommets, charms, even pressed flowers for that matter where the image looks real enough that the shopper might expect the real deal.  There are digital elements that are intended to look like the real thing and that's where it is most important, or when something is scanned or photographed.
 
You are not alone, there are many cards out there with 3d looking embellishments ie: scrapbook looking designs & layouts, that need to be edited.

oh good Grief.. I've never used the word****-like in any of my Keys.. I will start though,, Don't need it thrown back for just that. Thanks for the up date All.

All the descriptions that we have to be careful of are actual creative techniques that could be incorparated in a card that you purchase at a store.  Since all GCU cards are printed, stating that something has lace or ribbons would be not be accurate unless it was an image of ribbons blowing in the wind, draped around a gift or something like that. As an example, if you had a sexy girl dressed in lace, then lace would be an acceptable keyword.
 
It only makes sense that if you did a card with lace on the border and scanned the finished card to upload to GCU, the GCU product is not lace but a lace like image.
   
It is amazing how many people take everything litterally for face value and are unable to rationally consider the source and come to a logical conclusion based on that, so that is why we have to clarify ourselves so well!
It's a pain, but if we don't, people will put the responibility back on us, demanding a refund or giving out bad publicity.

Well I have just made and submitted 3 more cards - for welcoming new babies.
one with "ballon like bubbles with letters in each" one with a pram on the front - i put "toy like pram" and one with a stork carrying a baby. hope the keywords for those are all ok. It does get confusing at times trying to figure out what is allowed and what isn't, especially when not all reviewers enforce things to the same degree.
 
it also makes it hard when there is such a long wait time for approval if you have to resubmit a card and wait even longer
 
I do understand why GCU is so tough about it and I do appreciate that it makes it better for us in the long run. But it is frustrating when you think you have it right and the rules change or one person interprets or enforces things differently to another.
 
Thank you to everyone who responded to my query. Much appreciated!