GCU Forum - 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??

Randall_140313

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1013

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #30 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 2:29pm

I'm sorry Pattiann if you found 'absurd' offensive. I have a Webster's that defines absurd as being "against reason or common sense" which is what I meant. Then I shall clarify, beyond us little people's reasoning.

And yes, 'politics.' Doreen does a lot more politicing than the rest of us and works hard at it. She deserves everything she has or has built up in this business. She does a lot for our business and for that should be compensated. That is politics 101!

I'm not being argumentative or demeaning to anyone here. Just pointing out what we are feeling and if there are any logical solutions to these issues. Your osterich like solution to just shut up, change and take it like good little soldiers isn't the answer I was looking for!

Also, I'm not looking to make friends here, some people will be and some won't, we are all in competetion for sales here and at the same time supportive of each other. If I think a card is cute or exceptional, I'll say so, if I don't, I'll say so too, mind you, maybe not quite as passionately as I would for praising a card. Grin

Underneath all the posts, I'm feeling frustration with the system rather than objections to it. Most of us aren't clear on what is and what isn't. And the process isn't working as it is now for a lot of us. For me it's mostly a time issue. It's really frustrating to spend time on something, submit it to my peers, get enough positive feedback to submit it as a card only to have one or two reviewers say, "no, too purple," when I thought it was rose or perhaps pink if you stretched.

I forget who, but someone said that it was like striving to be too perfect, which is against the grain of art, art is imperfection and that's what makes GCU so beautiful, the imperfections that you can find throughout.

Best always, Randy

Harsh? Didn't mean to be, but then I could read 'harsh' back into their comments as well. There is a difference between good, constructive 'politics' and empty, non-passionate 'politics' and I already touched on 'absurd.'
I just noticed something while typing 'constructive.' The differnce between 'constructive' and 'constrictive' is one vowel. There are more than one of us participating in this thread, so perhaps something good will come of it.

Back to top

Kind Xpressions:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/KindeXpressions

IP Logged

Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6567
Gender: female

Re: Marketability Discussion
Reply #31 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 3:10pm

BTW: here is a link to some of the prior content of the original thread before it got so rudely corrupted:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/forum/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=print;num=1322843 597

Interesting comment re: price cutting at Hallmark. They are most certainly feeling the pressure from rising competition like GCU, TinyPrints, CardStore, Minted and more!

Back to top

IP Logged

Randall_140313

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1013

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #32 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 3:20pm

"3. Space is not really the pressing issue here. It is more the limited time and attention of shoppers' eyeballs. Shocked

Also the fact that the quality of one card (or lack of) reflects on all cards and artists on GCU.

4. You're right, the purpose of the artist storefront has evolved a bit as GCU has grown. It is not a showcase for all that an artist would like to share but now a more limited collection."

So on this subject, what I'd like to see is for GCU to showcase one or two cards from each category that an arrtist has cards in on the main page, then be able for a customer to click on a link to see more from this artist if they like a particular card. That would clean up the site outside of the individual artist's store. But this would be in a perfect world. That would level the playing feild for those of us with fewer cards, but is not particularly fair to those that have been here longer and have worked harder. So maybe not such a good solution. The current system doesn't work either though for the small shop as you might have to go through 20 pages of cards before finding one of mine in the Christmas category. You might narrow that down some if the customer is wise enough to break down categories and maybe do some keyword searches, but overall the shear number of cards works for those who have a lot of cards blended into those and negatively for those with few cards.

Now a question, Is there any limit to the number of cards that we can have in our private galleries. Guess I should go to tthe store and see what the rules say. For example, I shoot weddings and much of the time while doing the engagemnt shots, the couple will ask about wedding invitations. Usually, I'll use an engagement shot for the invitation if they want, which I can submit to the gallery waiving review for them to purchase, but for a generic version, would it be alright to showcase one there in the private gallery? I only have the one image so far for a wedding invitation that the reviewers haven't been real keen on. Returned for edits twice. I know it will sell if it's available and I want to offer different overlays or tints, that's the issue with the reviewer, depending on the color scheme of the wedding. I've put them in my Private gallery for now in case I'm talking to someone so I can take them online and show them, but was wondering if we can use our private gallery for some of these that get returned if we feel real strongly about them and what are the limitations for the use of the private gallery?

Back to top

Kind Xpressions:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/KindeXpressions

IP Logged

Donna_137698

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1064

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #33 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 3:45pm

Randy,

I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments - and having "been there done that" elsewhere with the politics nonsense really hit home with me. I'm so sad that some folks feel a need to get on here and attack those of us for voicing our concerns and trying to sugarcoat matters with their experiences outside of GCU which from what I understand at this point really can't be compared (apples and oranges. Not for anything, BUT I think it needs to be reiterated as the attacks upon us are unfounded in that we ARE people/artists/designers doing our utmost to learn and understand what we are supposed to be doing and are feeling as if the further explanations are not clearing matters up but continuing to fog up the windows. I'm sorry but I don't feel anyone who needs to attack us in return for asking what the hell we are supposed to be doing so we can understand the workflow better and raise our own bars has any right to do this to us - and throwing your comparisons at us isn't helping. Now, unless GCU IS going to be a stock image company, then please stop muddying the waters with these sorts of comparisons. Even I know that stock companies pay a heck of a lot more to their artists for work they do accept. I joined GCU because it was a good place to learn and to grow and to get my creations out there into the world. Yes, I understand that GCU needs to raise the bar - BUT give us clear cut guidelines on how to accomplish this and get the review process fixed so we ALL are on the same page. I think this is the problem several of us are experiencing. We are NOT arguing - we are trying to understand what is expected so we CAN do our best.

Doreen, I've always valued your assistance both on and off forum - your help and suggestions and all you have done have allowed me to grow - and I owe a great deal to you for that - and to Corrie and anyone else who have put a lot of effort into helping usher some of us newbies into this world. BUT you fail to realize that some of us are having a hard time because we simply don't understand what is going on or what we are expected to be creating at this point. It's not us arguing. And if we are not allowed to showcase our work in our own stores, then GCU owes us an explanation of this change of vision. If the various artist stores are to be no more, then even I know enough at this point that the accepted approved work would be compensated for in a bigger way than what currently is. All we are asking is for GCU to be a bit forthcoming with exactly what their company goals are as it affects us artists.

As I have said before, when I first came on here and didn't know a dang thing, I learned all I could and I do feel I've grown a great deal and I do have the communication between Admin and fellow artists to thank for that. Right now, I get a strong feeling this is all broken down with these new standards. Some of us are feeling slighted and in the dark. I am heartbroken and sick over this turn of events and all because I don't understand what GCU's direction really is at this point - so that is stifling my creative abilities. I was not under the impression that GCU was a stock company - so there is no basis for such a comparison so why do you keep bringing this up? Again, it's talking apples and oranges - unless of course GCU IS going in this direction. I really feel that GCU is asking artists to leap through hoop after hoop but not being very forthcoming about the direction they as a company is going - and this isn't what I thought GCU was all about - I thought we all were in this game together.

I feel a need to ask this too - talking about fairness with all artists - when will you be approaching me to spotlight my store? When do I get a chance to tell my story of what inspires me? Will ALL GCU artists be given this opportunity to be in the spotlight or is this only geared for those artists who have achieved a certain company goal?

Getting back to the main topic, the aggravation stems from the frustration - we are pouring hours and hours into designs and if the company vision has changed, then just be up front about it. The mystery is killing quite a few of us. Or if I can be so bold - is this what you really want?

I've already said I won't be submitting future designs until this stuff gets ironed out. And truthfully and despite all the heat of this topic, I do hope it does. I have enjoyed the experiences I have had here - the chance to share my creative endeavors - BUT with the changes, I feel the working relationship for several of us has been put in peril - if this is deliberate, then I say for shame. If it's just growing pains, then help us understand so we can give you our best efforts. Honestly, I don't think any of us who have spoken out so strongly feel any differently - we DO want to give our best, but I thought the communication wouldn't have come to such a screaming halt as it has.

Back to top

Sunshine's Creative Endeavors:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/sunshinescreativeendeavors

IP Logged

Doreen_137017

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 5273

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #34 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 4:35pm

Randy,

I realize emotions are elevated, but politicking? Really? That I find offensive. Why do I need votes when there is no office to run for? Just because I offer help and advice on the GCU forum? I do not get paid to pass on my experience and knowledge, I do that because that's how I learned from people like Corrie who generously offered their tips and tricks, this has been the case my entire life . . . I give back because that's what I have to offer and it's free to pay it forward.

That my friend is not politicking in my book. I have nothing to gain by doing what I do here at GCU, in fact it takes up my time of which I could be spending apparently doing more productive things. It is simply in my nature to want to help others go where this woman has gone before. You don't have to like it, or accept it, but you certainly have no right to make it sound like I'm a politician.

Just because I understand the business aspect of what is being asked of us does not make me the bad guy. Yes, I made some harsh statements, like you, I too am frustrated, but for different reasons. To me this is part of the freelance artist's world.

Freelance artists create work and try to get places to carry it so it will sell. No matter what avenue you take, the work is either accepted or it sits under the bed for years. My point was that I don't understand why any of you expect GCU to cater to your demands. We don't pay for our stores, we submit cards in the hopes that GCU will accept our submission and place the card in THEIR MARKETPLACE which THEY PAY to market. So I'm just on the other side of the non-comprehending fence in that I don't understand why any artist would think that GCU owes them. You are all tired of hearing it but it's their business, they pay the bills, they pay the employees, they create the business growth plan, they advertise, they seek new areas to compete - we ARE NOT employees, we are freelance artists panhandling our art as artists have done for hundreds of years.

Back to top

Salon of Art:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/SalonOfArt

IP Logged

Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6567
Gender: female

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #35 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:05pm

Quote from Randall_140313 on Dec 6^th, 2011, 3:20pm:

"3. Space is not really the pressing issue here. It is more the limited time and attention of shoppers' eyeballs. Shocked

Also the fact that the quality of one card (or lack of) reflects on all cards and artists on GCU.

4. You're right, the purpose of the artist storefront has evolved a bit as GCU has grown. It is not a showcase for all that an artist would like to share but now a more limited collection."

So on this subject, what I'd like to see is for GCU to showcase one or two cards from each category that an arrtist has cards in on the main page, then be able for a customer to click on a link to see more from this artist if they like a particular card. That would clean up the site outside of the individual artist's store. But this would be in a perfect world. That would level the playing feild for those of us with fewer cards, but is not particularly fair to those that have been here longer and have worked harder. So maybe not such a good solution. The current system doesn't work either though for the small shop as you might have to go through 20 pages of cards before finding one of mine in the Christmas category. You might narrow that down some if the customer is wise enough to break down categories and maybe do some keyword searches, but overall the shear number of cards works for those who have a lot of cards blended into those and negatively for those with few cards.

Now a question, Is there any limit to the number of cards that we can have in our private galleries. Guess I should go to tthe store and see what the rules say. For example, I shoot weddings and much of the time while doing the engagemnt shots, the couple will ask about wedding invitations. Usually, I'll use an engagement shot for the invitation if they want, which I can submit to the gallery waiving review for them to purchase, but for a generic version, would it be alright to showcase one there in the private gallery? I only have the one image so far for a wedding invitation that the reviewers haven't been real keen on. Returned for edits twice. I know it will sell if it's available and I want to offer different overlays or tints, that's the issue with the reviewer, depending on the color scheme of the wedding. I've put them in my Private gallery for now in case I'm talking to someone so I can take them online and show them, but was wondering if we can use our private gallery for some of these that get returned if we feel real strongly about them and what are the limitations for the use of the private gallery?

ATM there is no limit to the number of cards you have in your Private Gallery. However the lack of organizational tools makes it somewhat cumbesome to have a ton of cards there. You are welcome to put cards in there via Waive Review that GCU has declined. However the caveat is that you will be responsible for any customer satisfaction / return issues that may result from any of those sales.

Back to top

IP Logged

Donna_137698

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1064

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #36 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:16pm

Doreen, if I may...

It may be THEIR business... but where would they be if they all of a sudden had no artists and no artwork to sell? I guess I was wrong to think that this was a partnership between us and them.

Yes, emotions are riding really high... but lets consider why this all happened in the first place - a "raising of the bar" on quality with inconsistent reviews occurring as a result. Several of us are trying to figure out what exactly is going on, by whom this is being done by, what we are supposed to be doing to produce good products, and understanding the term "marketability" when selling cards are being yanked. I know I'm questioning if I can meet the current requirements at this point despite several people telling me not to worry.

You come from an extensive background, but I don't see how this really mixes with what GCU was apparently founded on. If they are changing gears, then what is so difficult in just saying so? If there is so much marketing going on, why do WE have to peddle our wares so hard? I'll ask again - will every single artist here be given a chance to be in the spotlight - interviewed and featured - so we get a chance for folks to find our stores too?

You say we have no right to make any demands - that we are not owed anything. Seriously, I really would wonder where they will be if we all jumped ship. They'd have NO COMPANY to sell greeting cards. I'm not trying to be rude or obnoxious - but point out the fact that a critical factor is being set aside - something I applauded when I first started here - that we were like a FAMILY - WE ALL were working together for everyone's mutual success - that meant high caliber communication and clarity in what was expected.

And not for anything, I really don't think anyone is considering you the bad guy - but just not seeing where our frustrations lay at the moment. Your offers of advice and help and tutorials and all else have always been appreciated. I know I have and still do - I have many of your posts saved in a folder for reference. Chances are you will ignore me for being on the opposite side of the fence because you feel I like others have no right to question GCU in any way. I beg to differ. I had appreciated the partnership that I came into by setting up shop.

I think all we "complainers" are looking for is to have the muddied waters cleared. Is that REALLY so much to ask?

Back to top

Sunshine's Creative Endeavors:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/sunshinescreativeendeavors

IP Logged

Randall_140313

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1013

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #37 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:19pm

Quote from Doreen_137017 on Dec 6^th, 2011, 4:35pm:

Randy,

I realize emotions are elevated, but politicking? Really? That I find offensive. Why do I need votes when there is no office to run for? Just because I offer help and advice on the GCU forum? I do not get paid to pass on my experience and knowledge, I do that because that's how I learned from people like Corrie who generously offered their tips and tricks, this has been the case my entire life . . . I give back because that's what I have to offer and it's free to pay it forward.

That my friend is not politicking in my book. I have nothing to gain by doing what I do here at GCU, in fact it takes up my time of which I could be spending apparently doing more productive things. It is simply in my nature to want to help others go where this woman has gone before. You don't have to like it, or accept it, but you certainly have no right to make it sound like I'm a politician.

Just because I understand the business aspect of what is being asked of us does not make me the bad guy. Yes, I made some harsh statements, like you, I too am frustrated, but for different reasons. To me this is part of the freelance artist's world.

Freelance artists create work and try to get places to carry it so it will sell. No matter what avenue you take, the work is either accepted or it sits under the bed for years. My point was that I don't understand why any of you expect GCU to cater to your demands. We don't pay for our stores, we submit cards in the hopes that GCU will accept our submission and place the card in THEIR MARKETPLACE which THEY PAY to market. So I'm just on the other side of the non-comprehending fence in that I don't understand why any artist would think that GCU owes them. You are all tired of hearing it but it's their business, they pay the bills, they pay the employees, they create the business growth plan, they advertise, they seek new areas to compete - we ARE NOT employees, we are freelance artists panhandling our art as artists have done for hundreds of years.

So is that how it's spelled 'politicking"? lol

Well if you read my post clarifying, I'm not saying that playing politics is bad.

"And yes, 'politics.' Doreen does a lot more politicking than the rest of us and works hard at it. She deserves everything she has or has built up in this business. She does a lot for our business and for that should be compensated. That is politics 101!'

What I meant was supporting, you do a lot of work trying to make a go of this site and supporting all the rest of us. It wasn't derrogatory! You can skirt the issue all you want, but the truth is benefits do come from doing what you do, that's why I stated that rightly so, "that should be compensated" as it is. Not that you get special favortism or leeway from the reviewers, but your knowledge and work in behalf of this site does factor in to what happens here. That was all! Sorry about the choice of words, that's why I clarified what was said, but guess it still isn't clear.

I won't go so far as to say you are always right, but you usually are! Grin

For that I have respect for you and what you do here. But seriously, be honest, it does play into your hands if for no other reason than that you have paid your dues and continue to do so. I don't know a better way to cut it down to one word other than "politicking."

I'm also not saying that GCU 'owes us' anything. I'm not 'entitlement' brainwashed or as they are being now called, one of the 'millennials' who believes the world and society owes me respect or a fair compensation for my time here on earth. You only deserve what you earn, you work harder, you deserve more. Not that you always get it, but you deserve it. So, whatever the word, you work hard and promote yourself, this company and the other artists here, you deserve special allowances and that is expected.

What's wrong with that? Huh

Like gray hair and wrinkles, you earned it! Not that you have any of those, speaking for myself. Grin

Best always, Randy

Back to top

Kind Xpressions:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/KindeXpressions

IP Logged

Jan_(Gracey)_135660

Full Member
artist

Posts: 147

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #38 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:20pm

['I was not under the impression that GCU was a stock company - so there is no basis for such a comparison so why do you keep bringing this up? Again, it's talking apples and oranges - unless of course GCU IS going in this direction. ]

I'm not quite sure who that particular comment was addressed to, but since I have mentioned stock companies in my replies, I hope you don't mind if I contribute my thoughts on that.

In my case, I mention it only because the stock companies I submit to have higher standards than GCU, and yet GCU's reviewer rejected an image for the "lighting" which has sold pretty well on two stock sites since 2007, and still sells.

It's a little difficult to understand what GCU expects in terms of lighting, when all the "declined" notice said was "lighting problems". What lighting problems? How do I even begin to correct what they see as an issue, when nobody else considers it an issue?

I just went ahead and deleted the card, but the image doesn't have "lighting problems".

If GCU doesn't want to sell it, then they don't. I took it to another site, uploaded it and it was posted for sale in a matter of hours. I then ordered two dozen of those cards to put in one of our local stores, who asked for them. I get my cards (elsewhere), and GCU doesn't have to display an image they didn't want. Which works out for both of us, sort of.

As for the private gallery, I decided against uploading there - why would I do that when I can sell them publicly elsewhere? If GCU doesn't want to sell them, then when I have to buy them for distribution myself, I'll buy them where ever will accept them. If no one will, then I obviously created a very bad card.

In the end, I have to take GCU's decision on what they want or don't want to sell on their site. I'm not going to fight with them if they decline something. It isn't worth the effort when there are other places available to almost anyone.

I do understand Randall's thoughts on the storefronts though - I did also think that I had the choice of what I wanted to sell in "my" shop, but I don't. Much the same as stock sites. You don't get to sell what you want there, either. They select the things they want from you, and those images have to qualify based on their standards and requirements ... much the same as GCU is beginning to require.

So while they aren't the same "type" of business, the business structure on GCU is becoming more similar to that of a stock site because of their quality requirements and reviews.

Back to top

Fine Art Cards - Greeting Cards To Go:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/jgraceystinson

IP Logged

Paul_133086

Full Member
artist

Posts: 217

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #39 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:25pm

Mindy, I think, like a lot of other reasonable, rational people here, I'm just looking for consistency.
When one reviewer approves a card and praises the image, and another reviewer deletes it, I'm dumbfounded.
When a card that sells nearly 50 (not a staggering amount, but still) is deleted, I'm equally confused. I guess "poor composition" is in the eye of the beholder.

As for reducing the number of cards, one way would be to eliminate the "Happy 76th birthday to my Swedish uncle from our Boston Terrier", "Happy 77th birthday to my Swedish uncle from our Boston Terrier" syndrome. An exaggeration, I know. But not a huge one.

I'm sure you've heard this all before.

Back to top

Cards by Bernard:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/cardsbybernard

IP Logged

Donna_137698

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1064

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #40 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:28pm

Jan, thanks for the clarification on the business end of things... hence, I'll ask this - IF GCU is heading in that direction, then will there be a change in the way artists/designers - whatever one wishes to title themselves - be compensated for their efforts?

Maybe Mindy can clarify - will individual artist "stores" be removed and all accepted art thrown into one big basket separated by the individual categories?

As I mentioned before, I'm taking all this in and attempting to make sense of it all so I can make a proper decision on how I go about my future here - bearing in mind if I feel I can provide what is now required or not.

Back to top

Sunshine's Creative Endeavors:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/sunshinescreativeendeavors

IP Logged

Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6567
Gender: female

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #41 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:44pm

Quote from Donna_137698 on Dec 6^th, 2011, 3:45pm:

Randy,
Doreen, I've always valued your assistance both on and off forum - your help and suggestions and all you have done have allowed me to grow - and I owe a great deal to you for that - and to Corrie and anyone else who have put a lot of effort into helping usher some of us newbies into this world. BUT you fail to realize that some of us are having a hard time because we simply don't understand what is going on or what we are expected to be creating at this point. It's not us arguing. And if we are not allowed to showcase our work in our own stores, then GCU owes us an explanation of this change of vision. If the various artist stores are to be no more, then even I know enough at this point that the accepted approved work would be compensated for in a bigger way than what currently is. All we are asking is for GCU to be a bit forthcoming with exactly what their company goals are as it affects us artists.

As I have said before, when I first came on here and didn't know a dang thing, I learned all I could and I do feel I've grown a great deal and I do have the communication between Admin and fellow artists to thank for that. Right now, I get a strong feeling this is all broken down with these new standards. Some of us are feeling slighted and in the dark. I am heartbroken and sick over this turn of events and all because I don't understand what GCU's direction really is at this point - so that is stifling my creative abilities. I was not under the impression that GCU was a stock company - so there is no basis for such a comparison so why do you keep bringing this up? Again, it's talking apples and oranges - unless of course GCU IS going in this direction. I really feel that GCU is asking artists to leap through hoop after hoop but not being very forthcoming about the direction they as a company is going - and this isn't what I thought GCU was all about - I thought we all were in this game together.

I feel a need to ask this too - talking about fairness with all artists - when will you be approaching me to spotlight my store? When do I get a chance to tell my story of what inspires me? Will ALL GCU artists be given this opportunity to be in the spotlight or is this only geared for those artists who have achieved a certain company goal?

Getting back to the main topic, the aggravation stems from the frustration - we are pouring hours and hours into designs and if the company vision has changed, then just be up front about it. The mystery is killing quite a few of us. Or if I can be so bold - is this what you really want?

I've already said I won't be submitting future designs until this stuff gets ironed out. And truthfully and despite all the heat of this topic, I do hope it does. I have enjoyed the experiences I have had here - the chance to share my creative endeavors - BUT with the changes, I feel the working relationship for several of us has been put in peril - if this is deliberate, then I say for shame. If it's just growing pains, then help us understand so we can give you our best efforts. Honestly, I don't think any of us who have spoken out so strongly feel any differently - we DO want to give our best, but I thought the communication wouldn't have come to such a screaming halt as it has.

I hear your frustrations and appreciate your desire to improve and grow.

There is no mystery as to where we are going and why. The communication has not ceased. We’ve been very upfront and sharing with what GCU is doing as why. We have tried as best we can to clearly specify and give examples of what we are no longer allowing. Granted there are what seems to be inconsistencies in execution but it is a very difficult and subjective process. Subjectivity breeds inconsistencies, that’s just the way it is. It’s not as black and white as we’d all like it to be.

To best compete we need to draw the line and no longer accept cards that are not professional in quality. The competition is tough, very tough. Take a look for yourself. We are all up against the Hallmarks, American Greetings, RPG, TinyPrints, Minted and so many more. And yes as Randy has pointed out the competition right here on GCU by your fellow artists too.

This means no haphazard photos of garden statuary, wilted flowers, pets with flash eye, beach scenes with crooked horizon lines, random borders or filters to mask a less than perfect image, musty turtles in a pond where there’s more brush and pond than turtle, a pine cone used for birthdays 1 – 130, photos from a visit at the local zoo through the fence, just to name a few…

I think you’re asking for specifics on what we ARE looking for that just are not going to come. We’ve shared what we don’t want and have tried to give descriptive and image examples including specific comments on cards in your own store.

Back to top

IP Logged

Doreen_137017

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 5273

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #42 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:51pm

[quote author=Randall_140313 link=1323087268/30#37 date=1323220788]Quote from Doreen_137017 on Dec 6^th, 2011, 4:35pm:

Randy,

So is that how it's spelled 'politicking"? lol

Well if you read my post clarifying, I'm not saying that playing politics is bad.

"And yes, 'politics.' Doreen does a lot more politicking than the rest of us and works hard at it. She deserves everything she has or has built up in this business. She does a lot for our business and for that should be compensated. That is politics 101!'

What I meant was supporting, you do a lot of work trying to make a go of this site and supporting all the rest of us. It wasn't derrogatory! You can skirt the issue all you want, but the truth is benefits do come from doing what you do, that's why I stated that rightly so, "that should be compensated" as it is. Not that you get special favortism or leeway from the reviewers, but your knowledge and work in behalf of this site does factor in to what happens here. That was all! Sorry about the choice of words, that's why I clarified what was said, but guess it still isn't clear.

I won't go so far as to say you are always right, but you usually are! Grin

For that I have respect for you and what you do here. But seriously, be honest, it does play into your hands if for no other reason than that you have paid your dues and continue to do so. I don't know a better way to cut it down to one word other than "politicking."

I'm also not saying that GCU 'owes us' anything. I'm not 'entitlement' brainwashed or as they are being now called, one of the 'millennials' who believes the world and society owes me respect or a fair compensation for my time here on earth. You only deserve what you earn, you work harder, you deserve more. Not that you always get it, but you deserve it. So, whatever the word, you work hard and promote yourself, this company and the other artists here, you deserve special allowances and that is expected.

What's wrong with that? Huh

Like gray hair and wrinkles, you earned it! Not that you have any of those, speaking for myself. Grin

Best always, Randy

Gottcha Randy - no harm done - I too just had to clarify

So this is where my first gray hairs are coming from? Grin

Donna, I would never ignore you because you and I don't see eye to eye on this subject. I'm not like that!

Last thoughts before I jump ship to spend my time more productively:

I think we should all keep in mind that we asked GCU to give us a reason for the decline of a card so we could learn from the experience, yet we aren't happy with what we are hearing. We find it objective and inconsistent. So...

What if they just gave a simple No Thank You with no explanation? At this point would that be less painful? After all, it's not GCU's job to teach us quality card design.

Just food for thought.

Back to top

Salon of Art:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/SalonOfArt

IP Logged

Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6567
Gender: female

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #43 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:52pm

Quote from Donna_137698 on Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:28pm:

Jan, thanks for the clarification on the business end of things... hence, I'll ask this - IF GCU is heading in that direction, then will there be a change in the way artists/designers - whatever one wishes to title themselves - be compensated for their efforts?

Maybe Mindy can clarify - will individual artist "stores" be removed and all accepted art thrown into one big basket separated by the individual categories?

As I mentioned before, I'm taking all this in and attempting to make sense of it all so I can make a proper decision on how I go about my future here - bearing in mind if I feel I can provide what is now required or not.

There are not plans nor even water cooler talk about doing away with the artist storefronts nor any changes in artist compensation.

Back to top

IP Logged

Randall_140313

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 1013

Re: 300 : .txt No such file or directory ??
Reply #44 - Dec 6^th, 2011, 5:58pm

Donna,

I wouldn't worry, nobody said anything about throwing out the stores. Just tightening up the strings.
I just figured out what Mindy's 'ATM' meant. "At the moment" they're not considering limiting anything ... You kids and all your abbreviations! Roll Eyes

Paul's analogy of the "Swedish Uncle from our Boston Terrier ..." is funny but true. Since it is a POD site, having the ability to offer individual cards for almost every situation is possible on the printing end, but I think having the ability to change the text on the front of a card will go a long way to streamlining the site.

That way you can display one card with a name and then people would have the option to insert any other name in that place if they so desired. Same with age, locale and so on.

I personally go with Paul on this one, that is a lot of the clutter on the site and what I find would run me off quicker than anything else. In going through my birthday cards I even find my own store annoying having two or three pages of age specific cards. I don't find it annoying that they do sell, but having to wade through is too much eye strain and I know what Mindy is talking about. If there was some way to have just one of those show and then have the optional ones available in a cache rather than displayed on our store pages, that would be awesome!

Anyway, a lot of great 'would-be nice' things to consider, but again may be too difficult to implement otherwise I'm sure someone in the website development side would have figured it out.

Best always, Randy

Back to top

Kind Xpressions:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/KindeXpressions

IP Logged